Effluents from pond aquaculture resemble non-point sources of pollution more than point sources. Shrimp and fish producers are concerned that these regulations will be unnecessarily restrictive and expensive. Thus, pressure from environmental groups will force most governments to impose effluent regulations on aquaculture and application of traditional effluent treatment methods to meet effluent standards, as done for point source pollution, will be difficult or impossible. Many involved in aquaculture believe that application of Best Management Practices (BMPs) could be a reasonable and affordable way to improve the quality and reduce the volume of pond effluents. Many shrimp producers in several nations have installed settling basins, and a few large shrimp farms monitor effluent quality. The Aquaculture Certification Council (ACC) plans to implement a certification program based primarily on compliance with BMPs during 2003. There also is considerable discussion among producers and governmental agencies in several nations regarding BMPs, and it is expected that regulatory programs based on BMPs will be forthcoming.