Indicator 4.5.3

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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 4.5.3

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

The UoC shall demonstrate commitment to collaborating with NGOs, academics and regulators on areas of mutually agreed research to measure possible impacts of sea lice on native fish species, including native salmonids. The collaboration shall include as a minimum: a) provisions for sharing site-level data; and b) granting access to sites; and c) provision of other non-financial support.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • If a site does not receive any requests to collaborate on research, the site may demonstrate compliance by showing evidence of commitment through other proactive means.

    • Examples may include published policy statements or directed outreach to relevant organisations or stakeholders.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Records that demonstrate verification of how the site or Certificate Holder has communicated with external groups (NGOs, academics, regulators) to agree on and collaborate towards areas of research to measure the impacts of sea lice on native fish.

    • Records should include requests for research support and collaboration, and responses to those requests.

  • Records that demonstrate collaboration with NGOs, academics and regulators.

    • When a site or Certificate Holder denies a request to collaborate on research, there should be a written justification for rejecting the request.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Evidence that the site or Certificate Holder has communicated with external groups to agree on areas of research and is tracking and responding to research requests.

    • As applicable, a written justification rejecting proposals to confirm that denials were justified and there is no consistent pattern that indicates a lack of demonstrated commitment to collaborate on research.