The guidelines provide a regional overview of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in aquaculture, including the importance of harmonizing methodologies across the region (Chapter 1). The guidelines also cover approaches to the design of AMR surveillance in aquaculture, from identifying the target population to sampling considerations (Chapter 2). Sample consideration and transport are described in detail, following standing methodologies for disease surveillance in aquaculture (Chapter 3). The laboratory methods are described, from general principles to specific methodologies (Chapter 4). Finally, the guidelines also describe AMR data management including collection, storage, analysis, and presentation (Chapter 5).

While Volume 3 provides guidance for carrying out AMR monitoring and surveillance in aquaculture, the other areas in the AMR surveillance framework are covered in the respective volumes of this regional guideline series: Volume 1 (Monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from healthy food animals intended for consumption), Volume 2 (Monitoring and surveillance in animal pathogens recovered from diseased livestock); Volume 4 (Monitoring bacterial resistance in the animal environment) that will focus on monitoring AMR in bacteria from agriculture settings (such as manure and slurry in livestock farms and aquatic environments), Volume 5 (Monitoring antimicrobial usage in animals at the farm level) and Volume 6 (Monitoring antimicrobial residues in food).

Experts from FAO, the Singapore Food Agency and the Singapore National Parks Board led the writing of this volume.