Exploring antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture: What have we learned from Bangladesh?

Antibiotics play a critical role in controlling diseases and improving productivity in aquaculture. However, indiscriminate and unregulated use of antibiotics has become a pressing issue globally, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and posing significant risks to public health, aquatic ecosystems, and sustainable aquaculture practices. This review explores the prevalence of antibiotics in aquaculture and their pathways of introduction, including intentional use, industrial waste, and environmental contamination. It highlights the public health concerns associated with antibiotic residues in aquaculture products and their impact on aquatic biota. Furthermore, it emphasizes the urgent need for effective risk management strategies, including the adoption of good aquaculture practices (GAP), farm biosecurity measures, and the application of probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics. The lack of a robust regulatory framework and a professional certification body for aquaculture practitioners further exacerbates this issue, underscoring the need for a national fisheries council to regulate and standardize aquaculture practices in Bangladesh. This review also provides an overview of existing regulations, the current status of antibiotic use, and the evidence of AMR in aquaculture in Bangladesh. By synthesizing these insights, this article aims to guide policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in developing sustainable solutions to mitigate the overuse of antibiotics and combat AMR in aquaculture.