THE PRACTICE OF AQUATIC VETERINARY MEDICINE IN THE UNITED STATES EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

The Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee of the American Veterinary Medical Association convened approximately 45 stakeholders representing state agriculture, fish and wildlife, and natural resources agencies; academic and research institutions; animal health laboratories; and federal agencies for a dialogue about veterinary practice in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The objectives of the meeting were to:

1. Provide an overview of the potential challenges and opportunities facing aquatic veterinarians practicing in the EEZ;
2. Socialize and solicit feedback on the AVMA policy on "Aquatic Veterinary Practice in U.S. Waters Outside State Jurisdiction;" and,
3. Develop potential next steps for promoting, protecting, and advancing veterinarians' roles in aquaculture in the EEZ.

Challenges and Opportunities in the EEZ

The EEZ offers a significant opportunity to expand the marine food fish aquaculture sector in the United States and meet a growing domestic demand for seafood. While aquaculture has been more prevalent in state waters, very few commercial facilities have been permitted seaward of state jurisdiction under the Submerged Lands Act in the EEZ, which is under federal jurisdiction. As a result, many questions have emerged within the veterinary community about the challenges and opportunities of practicing veterinary medicine in the EEZ.

AVMA policy on Aquatic Veterinary Practice in U.S. Waters Outside State Jurisdiction

The AVMA recommends that the criteria for veterinarians to practice veterinary medicine in these waters consist of three components:

1. The veterinarian is licensed and in good standing to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state/territory/federal district within the U.S.;
2. The veterinarian holds a USDA-APHIS category II veterinary accreditation; and,
3. The veterinarian has a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the facility in which he/she is practicing veterinary medicine.

Next Steps for Veterinarian's Roles in the EEZ

Participants identified the following opportunities for promoting, protecting, and advancing veterinarians' roles in aquaculture in the EEZ:

• Address gaps in regulation and oversight.
• Promote research.
• Expand education and training.
• Improve communications and outreach.