Transboundary aquatic animal diseases are highly contagious, and the transmissible agents are potential for very rapid spread irrespective of national borders causing serious socio-economic and possible health consequences.The great value of aquaculture to contribute to food and nutrition security and poverty alleviation has been hampered by significant biosecurity and animal disease challenges. Addressing biosecurity challenges in aquaculture requires a holistic approach that takes into consideration all essential components (technical, communication, infrastructure, operations, etc.) of an aquaculture biosecurity program. All of these program components cannot stand-alone, they are interrelated and interconnected. Subsequently, health maintenance in aquaculture is now considered to be one of the most important aspects of aquaculture development and management. In this discussion, we are inviting all of you to contribute in the elucidation of the following elements: • To discuss the most recent measures implemented in preventing and reducing the risks of aquatic animal disease introduction and spread • To increase the awareness of emerging diseases and engaging stakeholders in mitigating these risks, • To exchange opinion/scientific data to help fish farmers implementing their biosecurity plans and updating them taking into consideration variability or changes due to: 1) emergence of unknown diseases; 2) better understanding of dynamics and epidemiology of the disease, and 3) improved diagnostic and detection methods • To share the experience of farmers about how to deal with management challenges, from enterprise to international level, dealing with the intensification of aquaculture (farms getting bigger and more concentrated); increased movement of broodstock, post-larvae, fingerlings, and fry for regional and inter-regional trade; introduction of new species for aquaculture or breakdown in general biosecurity responsibilities and responses. • To identify capacity-building needs to address aquatic biosecurity gaps or lapses in the Mediterranean region.