Indicator 4.2.2.5

Filter content

by selecting applicable filters below

System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 4.2.2.5

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

Indicator applicability: every UoC using feed The UoC shall ensure that the HMP includes a pond preparation process including at least the following: a) drying of the pond. An exception applies where areas cannot be dried, in which case they shall be disinfected; and b) removal of any dead or live animals from the pond; and c) removal of excess organic material; and d) adjustment of acidic pH; and e) preparation of the surface of earthen ponds to facilitate oxygenation and UV exposure.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • Draining the pond completely helps in eliminating unwanted organisms and disease.

  • Areas that cannot be completely drained should be treated with disinfectants to kill any pathogens, e.g.:

    • If a few wet patches are observed after draining the pond, spray these patches with a bleach solution for disinfection, ensuring no harmful bacteria or parasites survive.

  • Removing any dead or living animals helps in preventing disease spread and decay, which can affect the water quality and the health of future pond crops, e.g.:

    • If a few dead crustaceans and some frogs are found, remove all these animals and dispose of them properly, ensuring the pond is free of any potential contaminants.

  • Remove any organic debris such as leaves, branches and sludge. If the pond water is too acidic, agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) may be added to neutralise the pH, making the environment more suitable for crustacean e.g.:

    • After removing leaves and decaying plant matter from the pond bed, the pH level was 5.5. After applying agricultural lime, the pH level rose to approximately 7, a neutral level.

    • Tilling the surface of earthen ponds (those with natural soil bottoms) helps to aerate the soil, promoting better oxygenation. It also exposes the soil to sunlight, which helps in killing pathogens and breaking down organic matter through UV radiation.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Records confirming the monitoring of the required parameters for pond preparation and their conformance with acceptable quality levels included in the HMP prior to stocking.

  • Record of drying period.

  • Record of addition of lime if applied.

  • The water quality monitoring process, that incorporates the minimum elements required for pond preparation.

  • Employees should demonstrate awareness of the established water quality monitoring process during handling.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Pond preparation process, that incorporates the minimum elements required, included in the indicator and cross-checking with the handling operations present in the HMP.

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

Useful Resources