There will also be a series of cultures kept in the hatchery. In the wild, fish are more widely dispersed and the risks of contamination are fewer. Current aquacultural trends are to eradicate diseases by vaccine, chemical or antibiotic treatments with little regard or comprehension to the micro or macro environment. It is generally accepted that optimum water quality based on the specific needs of a cultured fish species is relative to occurrence of disease factors. The prophylactic benefits of a correctly balanced water habitat result in a stress free environment.
Stress is a contributory factor to fish in the overall lowering of general health.
Natural selection is a fundamental factor contributing to the genetic integrity of all species and in a system where fish are raised artificially due to human intervention, mortality levels are decreased significantly. It is imperative to achieve the highest levels of husbandry in relation to water quality and dietary requirements to achieve a strong, healthy fish. . The primary objective in the treatment of disease in an aquatic environment is to control rather than eradicate the offending species. The application of an outside treatment to eradicate a species will have a significant impact on the structure of the food chain and water quality. To control and regress the species to an acceptable population level the secondary aim is to maintain stability of the social structure and balance in the aquatic food chain.