Rationale 2.7

Salinisation occurs when salt concentration rises in soil or freshwater, either naturally or due to human activities. It affects agricultural land, contributing to crop failures and reduces yields. It also affects local ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. With a growing global population, addressing salinisation is crucial for food security.4343Kumar, P., & Sharma, P. K. (2020). Soil salinity and food security in India. Frontiers in sustainable food systems, 4, 533781.

Aquaculture activities can cause salinisation through seepage from saline waterbodies, saline water discharge into freshwater, the intrusion of saline water into groundwater or the dumping of biosolids.4444Rajarshi, M., & Santra, S. C. (2011). Influence of Brackish water aquaculture on soil salinisation. Int J Res Chem Environ, 1, 60-65. In coastal regions, the effects of the dumping of biosolids can be amplified by rising sea-levels and land subsidence as a result of climate change.

This Criterion focuses on ASC-certified farms implementing best practices, such as pond liners, and regulating discharge of saline water to minimise contribution towards salinisation of soil and freshwater.

Intent – The aquaculture industry does not contribute to salinisation of soil or freshwater.