Indicator 4.1.1.10.1

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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 4.1.1.10.1

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Table 1. Requirements for Indicator 4.1.1.10.1

Indicator

Requirement

4.1.1.10.1

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a water quality monitoring process according to Appendix 12 (12.3, Table 2).


How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • Monitoring for mortality is understood as visual observation of whether there is mortality at the site, e.g. observations of the bottom of the pens with cameras; observations by divers or from the surface.

  • Possible causes that would justify no daily monitoring or every second day removal of mortality are severe bad weather, or a major equipment failure not related to poor maintenance.

  • Mortality stems from diverse factors that appear linked to suffering, particularly during disease outbreaks and critical development or production phases.

  • Scrutiny of mortality records and cause determination is essential for preventing further avoidable deaths and improving overall fish health and welfare in aquaculture.

  • Mortality monitoring thresholds should be established as these will identify when the level of mortalities can be classified as a mortality event.

  • If on-site diagnosis is inconclusive, off-site laboratory diagnosis is required.

  • When designing the mortality monitoring process, the UoC should consider carrying out a post-mortem analysis for each mortality event, not necessarily every fish.

    • A statistically relevant number of fish from the mortality event shall be analysed.

  • A statistically relevant number of fish refers to a sample size that is large enough to yield meaningful and reliable results when conducting statistical analysis.

  • In other words, the sample size should be sufficient to accurately represent the population being studied and to draw valid conclusions from the data.

  • The specific size needed for statistical relevance depends on various factors such as the variability within the population, the desired level of confidence, and the statistical methods being used.

    • Typically, larger sample sizes provide more reliable estimates and stronger evidence for drawing conclusions.

  • The designated veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional should assist the site in determining the appropriate sample size required for statistical analysis and must conduct all diagnosis.

  • The UoC should develop a procedure (e.g. SOP) to describe moribund collection and culling operations.

    • Employees should be trained on this procedure.

  • Moribund fish should be collected using appropriate equipment to prevent further injuries and stress, e.g. hand net according to fish size.

    • Collected moribund fish should be humanely slaughtered as per Criterion 4.1.3.

  • Possible causes that would justify no collection of moribund fish include severe bad weather or a major equipment failure not related to poor maintenance.

  • Possible causes of several moribund fish must be investigated.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Mortality monitoring.

  • Mortality removal.

  • The mortality monitoring process, that incorporates the minimum elements required, as well as what they consider a mortality event, included in the HWMP.

  • Records that confirm the monitoring of the mortality including the results of post-mortem analysis and the rationale for determining the sample size required for statistical analysis.

  • Employees should demonstrate awareness of the established mortality removal and monitoring process.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • The mortality monitoring process included in the HWMP incorporates the minimum required elements, is implemented and threshold levels to determine mortality events.

    • Implementation can be verified by cross-checking the process with relevant records, information from employee interviews and observations.

  • Moribunds are collected daily and culled following responsible stunning and killing according to Criterion 4.1.3.

    • Implementation can be confirmed by cross-checking the frequency of collection and culling methods with records, information from employee interviews and observations.

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