Prior to 1988, when the General Assembly enacted the first law establishing aquaculture as an agricultural endeavor, the Department of Natural Resources was and remains the primary agency charged with protecting wild stocks and wild stock enhancement through hatcheries and rearing facilities. In cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources engages in field investigations into the causes of fish mortalities, as they occur. In keeping with the legislative intent, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has been designated as the lead agency for promotion, development, and marketing of aquaculture and aquaculture products. Because of increased emphasis on aquaculture for economic development in Maryland, as well as throughout the United States, the concern for fish health has taken on new importance. It is recognized by both agencies that the promotion of aquatic animal health provides a quality product for sale or use in stock enhancement while at the same time minimizing the use of therapeutants and avoiding severe economic impact. The potential for severe financial losses to private aquaculturists through the introduction and spread of disease has brought about an awareness of the need for quality assurance in national and international circles never before experienced. The European Union and the Organization of International Epizootics (OIE) member countries (144) require certification of the health of live fish being imported into these countries. Since the United States is a signatory to the OIE the Maryland aquaculture industry must prepare to meet these standards in order to realize its fullest market potential. Because of a shift in federal policy, diagnostic and certification services, traditionally available to the industry through the US Fish and Wildlife Service, have been curtailed. Certification is moving to inspection by accredited veterinarians, testing by USDA - Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) certified laboratories, with endorsement of certification by APHIS. This departure from the use of fish or wildlife biologists has created a burden on the aquaculture industry because state departments of agriculture have not been legally or technically prepared to add aquatic animals to their responsibilities for livestock and poultry health.

To minimize duplication of effort and unnecessary expense for the aquaculture industry the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland have established aquatic animal health diagnostic and certification facilities. The focal point for these services is the Maryland Department of Agriculture Aquatic Animal Health Center at College Park. It is anticipated that the Department of Natural Resources will provide shellfish and crustacean disease diagnostic services in conjunction with the State/Federal Cooperative Research Laboratory at Sarbanes Cooperative Oxford Laboratory and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.