Indicator 2.4.6

This Indicator requires the UoC to take efforts to mitigate genetic risks associated with releasing hatchery-raised bivalve seed into the environment.
- The emphasis is on species-specific and region-specific genetic concerns, meaning the UoC must consider the local ecosystem and population genetics before out-planting.

Any of the following:
- Documentation of the use of local, wild broodstock to address genetic concerns specific to species and the geographic region where the seed will be out-planted;
- Documentation of the scale of farming activities and the reproductive potential of crops (e.g. whether diploid or triploid, or considering age at harvest and age at first maturation) are well below the size and reproductive potential of the natural population within a reasonable ‘dispersal kernel’ from the site;
- Documentation of the production of sterile seed for out-planting from breeding programmes that intentionally alter wild stocks for improved culture traits, such as growth, yield, survival and morphology;
- Documentation of cooperation with restoration efforts in the geographic region using out-planting that involves the intentional divergence from wild stocks to produce disease-resistant wild populations.

In relationship to the items listed under ‘Evidence of implementation’:
- Verify that the site uses local, wild population for the broodstock with appropriate rotation of spawned individuals;
- Verify that the reproductive potential (e.g. whether diploid or triploid, or considering age at harvest and age at first maturation) of the hatchery produced seed is well below the size and reproductive potential of the natural population within a reasonable ‘dispersal kernel’ from the site;
- Verify the existence of a breeding programme that produces altered sterile seed for out-planting;
- Verify that the site’s breeding programme is in coordination with existing restoration efforts in the geographic region.