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Feed Dependent

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Indicator 4.5.4

Requirement

Scope: areas with native salmonids The UoC shall collect sea lice data on native salmonids, following the method outlined in Appendix 13 (13.3).

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The collected sea lice data on native salmonids will inform the review and potential revision of the maximum sea lice load for the ABM and the corresponding sea lice levels at individual sites (see Indicator 4.5.2 and Appendix 13 (13.2.2).

Evidence of Implementation

  • Records that verify:

    • The methodology used for collecting sea lice data on native salmonids complies with the requirements in Appendix 13 (13.3).

    • The site’s participation in collecting sea lice data on native salmonids.

    • The application of an exception as per Appendix 13 (13.3).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • The site’s participation in collecting sea lice data on native salmonids.

  • The rationale for any exception.

  • That the methodology used for collecting sea lice data on native salmonids complies with the requirements in Appendix 13 (13.3).

  • The information should be cross-checked with local regulations and records.

Indicator 4.5.3

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.

Indicators 4.5.1–4.5.2

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.

Indicator 4.4.20

Requirement

Indicator 4.4.19

Requirement

The UoC shall annually, or within a month of concluding a production cycle, publicly disclose per site: a) the use of any CIA, including the written justification for use under the exceptional circumstances listed in Indicator 4.4.12; and b) the antibiotic load calculated in Indicator 4.4.15.

Indicators 4.4.17–4.4.18

Requirement

The UoC shall adhere to the withdrawal period defined by the country where the product is sold. An exception applies where a withdrawal period is not defined, in which case the UoC shall adhere to a minimum of 500 degree days.

The UoC shall adhere to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) defined by the country where the product is sold. An exception applies where an MRL is not defined, in which case the UoC shall adhere to the limits set by the European Union.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • To make sure that products sold are below the indicated MRLs, the UoC should comply with the relevant withdrawal periods.

  • If there is no specific withdrawal period provided for therapeutants used, a minimum withdrawal period of 500 degree-days must be observed.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Prescriptions.

  • Treatment records.

  • Degree day of treated products at the time of harvest.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Treatments and withdrawal checks implemented:

    • Implementation can be confirmed by cross-checking the treatment records and information from employee interviews and observations.

Useful Resources

Indicator 4.4.16

Requirement

The UoC shall reduce the antibiotic load over time and shall demonstrate measures being taken to achieve this reduction.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • When the UoC has a history of using antibiotics, they shall reduce the antibiotic load over time and shall demonstrate measures being taken to achieve this reduction.

  • Antibiotic load reduction is evaluated by comparing the last 6 years or cycles prior to the audit. For the first 6 audits, comparisons can be made with 1 to 5 years or cycles before the audit.

  • The target would be to decrease antibiotic use until a situation is reached where treatments are only sporadic. Sporadic means that treatments are not required every year or every production cycle. ASC emphasises the importance of improved prevention strategies and reduced dependency on antibiotics.

  • This approach reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major concern and aligns with the ‘One Health’ framework, which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals and the environment.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Prescriptions.

  • Antibiotic treatment records.

  • Antibiotic load calculations.

  • Actions or measures aimed to reduce antibiotic use.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Antibiotic treatments and accuracy of antibiotic load calculation:

    • Implementation can be confirmed by cross-checking the treatment records and information from employee interviews and observations.

Useful Resources

Indicator 4.4.15

Requirement

The UoC shall calculate the antibiotic load, following the method outlined in Appendix 12 (12.5.2).

Indicators 4.4.13–4.4.14

Requirement

The UoC shall adhere to species-specific limits on antibiotic8686Crustaceans treated with antibiotics are not eligible for ASC certification. treatments, according to Appendix 2 (2.5).

The UoC shall adhere to species-specific limits on parasiticide treatments, according to Appendix 2 (2.5).

Indicator 4.4.12

Requirement

The UoC shall not use8484Batches treated with antimicrobials listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Medicine are not eligible for ASC certification. antimicrobials listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIA) for Human Medicine by the World Health Organisation (WHO).8585https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515528 An exception applies where the following can be demonstrated: a) all other available antimicrobials are not effective, or there is no availability of antimicrobials other than the CIA; and b) previous monitoring has not determined build-up of antimicrobial resistance. A registered veterinarian shall provide a written justification for the use of any CIA under the exceptional circumstances listed above.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The use of CIA is not allowed unless they are the only possible treatment option and there is no indication of resistance.

Evidence of Implementation

  • If CIA are used, the decision should be documented.

    • Specific registered veterinarian justification should be in place, including evidence that there is no resistance towards the selected CIA.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Veterinary considerations for the use of CIA and resistance testing.

Useful Resources