Rationale 2.9

Freshwater is a vitally important global resource. As a result of increasing demand, water scarcity is increasing, leading to regional ‘water stress’. The source of freshwater, the local conditions, and the intensity of extraction determine whether the utilisation of resources is detrimental to the natural environment and to humans. Global freshwater resource depletion is driven primarily by food production systems.4747Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2022). The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture 2021—Systems at a Breaking Point. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb9910en

Water use in aquaculture has direct impacts on the availability of water for other users and biological processes4848For the purpose of this Criterion, water use refers only to freshwater used as part of the culture (production) process in land-based aquaculture systems. It does not include water use in non-production activities., making it important that aquaculture operations in sensitive regions are aware of their water use and act to improve the water efficiency of their farming processes.

This Criterion focuses on ASC-certified farms appropriately monitoring and using water responsibly.

Intent – The aquaculture industry conserves freshwater.