Indicators 4.5.1–4.5.2

Filter content

by selecting applicable filters below

System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicators 4.5.1–4.5.2

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

The UoC shall participate in an Area-Based Management (ABM) scheme following the method outlined in Appendix 13 (13.2).

Scope: areas with native salmonids8888Within 75 kilometres of a wild salmonid migration route or habitat. This definition is expected to encompass all, or nearly all, of salmon-growing areas in the northern hemisphere. The UoC shall establish, review annually, and revise where needed, a maximum sea lice load for the entire ABM and for the individual site, following the method outlined in Appendix 13 (13.2).

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • Appendix 13 (13.2.1), states that if an ABM is a regulatory requirement in a jurisdiction and its definition of ‘area’ aligns with the considerations outlined in this section, sites may use that definition for the requirements in Criterion 4.5.

  • The Marine Scotland Management Areas and the Agrupación de Concesiones de Salmónidos, set by SERNAPESCA in Chile, are examples of regulatory requirements where the definition of ‘area’ aligns with the considerations of Appendix 13 (13.2.1).

  • The shared ABM objectives for disease management, required by Appendix 13 (13.2.1), should be drafted and agreed upon by all participants within the ABM.

    • It is advisable to assign a focal point who will coordinate information, data sharing and the coordination required by this section.

      • The focal point should ideally be a rotating position, though determination is left to the discretion of the ABM.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Records relating to the establishment of the ABM, including:

    • Definition of the area.

    • Participation in the ABM.

    • Required documentation.

    • Information and data sharing.

    • Coordination.

    • The definition of area by ABM regulatory requirements (if applicable).

  • Records relating to the establishment, review and revision of ABM sea lice load and on-site sea lice levels, including:

    • Documentation showing how the ABM protects native salmonids by interpreting sea lice data from native salmonids monitoring.

    • Final documented recommendation and justification for maintaining or revising maximum sea lice loads in the ABM and the on-site sea lice thresholds.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • ABM includes the required attributes of Appendix 13 (13.2.1).

  • The establishment, review and revision (if applicable) of an ABM sea lice load and on-site sea lice levels.