Rationale 2.8

Farming activities, such as aquaculture, accumulate biological waste. Discharge and unregulated disposal of biosolids into the environment can cause negative impacts, including eutrophication, salinisation, spreading of disease and residues, and sedimentation of aquatic habitats.

Biosolids or sludge from aquaculture are often nutrient-rich and can be re-used, for example for fertilisation, if treated appropriately.4646Campanati, C., Willer, D., Schubert, J., Aldridge, D.C. (2021) Sustainable Intensification of Aquaculture through Nutrient Recycling and Circular Econoies: More Fish, Less Waste, Blue Growth. Review in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture (30) 143-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2021.1897520 This provides an opportunity for the industry to contribute to building more circular economies.

This Criterion focuses on the on-site containment of biosolids by ASC-certified farms and potential for their re-use.

Intent – The aquaculture industry contributes to the circular economy by improving biosolids management.