The number of new recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) continues to grow within the United States as it has worldwide. Although several benefits of land-based RAS have been promoted, the ability to manage risk due to pathogen introduction has been one of the key reasons stated for moving from open systems e.g. sea cages to fully contained systems like RAS. While there is better control over pathogen risks in RAS, there is still a need for a robust multi-layer approach to inhibiting the introduction and establishment of pathogens within facilities. The use of quarantine facilities, biosurveillance programs, and vaccination regimens are all key to limiting the effect of aquatic pathogens whether they be regulatory, production, or political.