Farm v1 Standard Archives - Page 2 of 16

Appendix 5 – Methods for Calculating Phytoplankton Depletion by Bivalve Culture

Appendix 5 – Methods for Calculating Phytoplankton Depletion by Bivalve Culture

This Appendix details the method for the calculation of phytoplankton depletion in waterbodies required in Criterion 2.2.

Section
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Estimating the zone of influence
5.3 Primary Production Time (PPT) calculation

5.1 Introduction

As filter-feeders, bivalves depend on the natural abundance of phytoplankton for feeding. In situations where bivalve aquaculture exceeds the ability of the waterbody to provide for sufficient phytoplankton for both natural bivalve populations and cultured populations, the carrying capacity can be exceeded and depletion can occur. Within this Appendix, various calculations are provided to determine if phytoplankton depletion occurs within a waterbody.

If the renewal of water, or Retention Time (RT), is faster than water clearance, or Clearance Time (CT) (CT>RT), it is expected that the carrying capacity of a waterbody will not be exceeded and phytoplankton depletion will not occur as sufficient replenishment is occurring.

To determine phytoplankton depletion, the site is required to estimate its zone of influence. Section 5.2 outlines the method to estimate the zone of influence of the site and determine RT and CT.

If CT<RT, as determined in Section 5.2, cultured bivalves may negatively impact carrying capacity; therefore, an additional method is required to link CT to Primary Production Time (PPT). The method to determine PPT is outlined in Section 5.3.

5.2 Estimating the zone of influence (Indicator 2.2.11)

The UoC shall use one of the following two methods to determine the zone of influence of the site.

Method 1

If the site is in an easily definable waterbody, for example an estuary or bay, and has tidally dominated water exchange, the steps to determine the zone of influence are as follows:

Calculate the mean depth at high tide and the surface area of the waterbody.
Calculate the volume of the waterbody (Vt) as the depth multiplied by the surface area at high tide.
Calculate RT using the following formula:

$RT (days) = - 1 \times P \div \ln (VI \div Vt)$

Where:
- P is the tidal periodicity, the length of the tidal cycle (days) (e.g. ~0.5 days for semidiurnal tides); and
- ln is the natural logarithm; and
- Vl is the total volume of the waterbody at low tide (litres); and
- Vt is the total volume of the waterbody at high tide (litres).
Calculate CT using the following formula:

$CT (days) = Vt \div (N \times C)$

Where:
- Vt is the total volume of the waterbody at high tide (litres); and
- N is number of bivalves; and
- C is average clearance rate (litres/individual species/day) at harvest size.

Method 2

Where there are no clear boundaries to the waterbody, or if it is located some distance offshore, the steps to determine the zone of influence are as follows:

Calculate the ‘radius of influence’ (RI) as the cumulative current speed over a 24-hour period.
Calculate the volume of the waterbody (Vt) by assuming a circular surface area multiplied by the depth (Vt = (pi x RI²) x depth). If the area is in deep waters, the depth used shall be that defining the lower limits of phytoplankton growth (‘lower growth line’).
RT = 24 hours.
Calculate CT using the following formula:

$CT (days) = Vt \div (N \times C)$

Where:
- Vt is the total volume of the waterbody at high tide (litres); and
- N is number of bivalves; and
- C is average clearance rate (litres/individual species/day) at harvest size.

5.3 Primary Production Time (PPT) calculation (Indicator 2.2.11)

PPT shall be determined per site, either by calculating its value using the formula outlined below, or from values derived from secondary data.

$PPT = B \div PPP$

Where:

B is the yearly averages of phytoplankton biomass; and,
PPP is the phytoplankton primary production (PPP) within the system.

Appendix 4 – Allowance for siting in PAs

This Appendix details the conditions under which siting in various types of Protected Areas (PAs) are allowed (Indicator 2.2.1).

Section
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Conditional allowances

4.1 Introduction

As part of the development of the ASC Farm Standard, research has been initiated to better understand which types of aquaculture production systems are conditionally allowed in the various types of PAs.

At the time of publication of ASC Farm Standard v1.1, this work is still ongoing and not yet available for implementation.

Therefore, the conditional allowances listed below are taken from the ASC species standards and will be replaced with aligned conditional allowances in a future version of the ASC Farm Standard.

4.2 Conditional allowances (Indicator 2.2.1)

Species group	Conditional allowances
Salmonids – marine Salmo spp. Oncorhynchus spp. Salvelinus spp. Seabass, Seabream, Meagre Dicentrarchus spp. Sparus spp. Pagrus spp. Argyrosomus spp. Flatfish Paralichthys spp. Pseudopleuronectes spp. Hippoglossus spp. Scophthalmus spp. Tropical Marine Finfish Epinephelus spp. Cromileptes spp. Plectropomus spp. Cephalopholis spp. Lutjanus spp. Ocyurus spp. Trachinotus spp. Lates spp. Larimichthys spp. Cod Gadus morhua	Siting in PAs is not allowed. An exception applies if sites are: Located in areas classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Category V or VI128128Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN; or Located in High Conservation Value Areas (HCVA), if the site can demonstrate that its environmental impacts are compatible with the conservation objectives of the HCVA designation; or Located in any category of PA if: The PA was designated after the site was already in operation; and The site can demonstrate that its environmental impacts are compatible with the objectives of the PA designation; and The site complies with any applicable conditions or regulations placed on the site as a result of the formation/designation of the PA.
Salmonids – freshwater Salmo spp. Oncorhynchus spp. Salvelinus spp. Thymallus spp. Coregonus spp. Pike-perch Sander lucioperca	Siting in PAs is not allowed. An exception applies if sites are: Located in areas classified by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Category V or VI128128Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN; or Located in any Category of PA if: The PA was designated after the site was already in operation; and The site can demonstrate that its environmental impacts are compatible with the objectives of the PA designation; and The site complies with any applicable conditions or regulations placed on the site as a result of the formation/designation of the PA.
Seriola and Cobia Seriola spp. Rachycentron canadum	Siting in PAs is not allowed. An exception applies if sites are: Located in areas classified by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Category V or VI128128Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN; or Located in a designated PA, if the site can demonstrate that its environmental impacts are compatible with the objectives of the PA designation. The site shall demonstrate that it is not negatively impacting the objectives of the PA; or Located in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the site pre-dates the designation of the MPA.
Crustaceans Penaeus spp. P. vannamei Cherax spp. Procambarus spp. Astacus spp. Macrobrachium spp:	Siting in PAs is not allowed. An exception applies if sites are: Located in areas classified by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Category V128128Dudley, N. (Editor) (2008). Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN if the farming system is regarded as traditional land use; or Located in Category VI if the site was built legally prior to the designation of the PA. For both allowances, the following conditions apply: The site shall conform to the management objectives and plan of the PA; and Crustacean farming is no more than 25% of the total PA.

Appendix 3 – Method for risk management

This Appendix provides the method for risk management and the requirements for conducting an Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) and a Health and Safety Risk Assessment (HSRA).

Section
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Risk assessment method
3.3 Environmental Risk Assessment (Indicators 2.1.1 and 2.1.2)
3.4 Health and Safety Risk Assessment (Indicator 3.5.1)

3.1 Introduction

A Risk Management Framework is a structured method used to assess and control risks in a systematic and consistent manner. It helps to understand how likely and severe a risk is so that steps can be taken to reduce or prevent it. Conducting risk assessments helps individuals and companies in the aquaculture industry become aware of risks and improve operational processes. The main steps involve identifying risks, assessing the risk level, implementing control measures, monitoring, regularly reviewing and updating the assessment to ensure its effectiveness.

3.2 Risk Assessment Method

Step 1 – Identify the risks

The site shall identify the risk factors (the ‘risks’ or ‘issues’) that are relevant to its context. These risk factors are usually related to a wider theme (e.g. environmental risks) and are either generic or specific to the context of the site.

Examples of risk factors are:

Negative wildlife interaction (environmental).
Physical harm due to contact with hazardous chemicals (health and safety).

For each risk factor, information regarding the following shall be considered:

The evidence used to score the risk level.
What or who could be impacted by the risk factor.
What are the risk drivers of the risk level (i.e. what drives the risk).
Existing control measures.

Step 2 – Assess the risk level

The risk level is determined by scoring the elements of likelihood and severity of each identified risk.

Once the likelihood and severity of the identified risks has been assessed, each risk factor is scored in a risk matrix. A typical risk matrix consists of three levels (low, medium, high) for each element (see example Table 1).

Table 1. Example of a 3*3 risk matrix.

		Risk Severity
		Low	Medium	High
Risk Likelihood	Low	Low Risk	Low Risk	Medium Risk
	Medium	Low Risk	Medium Risk	High Risk
	High	Medium Risk	High Risk	High Risk

Likelihood is the estimated probability that a risk will materialise into an incident, impact, injury, illness, damage or other negative outcome, or how probable the event is to occur under given conditions. It answers the question: “How often could this risk occur?”.

Low likelihood is where an event could occur, but is unlikely to occur under normal site conditions and existing control measures.
Medium likelihood is where an event could occur occasionally under normal site conditions and existing control measures.
High likelihood is where an event is expected to occur, occurs frequently, or is likely to occur under current site conditions or existing control measures.

Severity is the estimated potential impact or consequence of a risk if it materialises into an incident, impact, injury, illness, damage or other negative outcome. Severity focuses on reasonably foreseeable consequence of the event, regardless of how likely it is to occur. It answers the question: “How serious would the outcome be if this risk occurs?”.

Low severity is a minor, localised, short-term or easily corrected consequence.
Medium severity is a moderate consequence requiring corrective action, treatment, notification, or additional monitoring.
High severity is a severe, widespread, long-term, irreversible or legally significant consequence.

Step 3 – Implement control measures

Control measures shall be defined and implemented for all risk factors rated as ‘medium’ or ‘high’ to reduce their risk levels over time.

Risk levels shall be reduced using the following control measures:

Mitigation measures: reducing the risk level when the risk factor cannot be eliminated fully; or
Remediation measures: reducing the risk level to a point where the risk factor no longer is relevant.

Step 4 – Monitor control measures

The implemented control measures shall be monitored to ensure their effectiveness in reducing the risk level.

Step 5 – Review

Regular review of the control measures and risk levels shall be conducted, and revisions made where necessary, including under at least the following circumstances:

When related timelines have expired
When triggered by the monitoring outcome
When changes occur that influence the relevance of site-specific risk factors.

3.3 Environmental Risk Assessment (Indicators 2.1.1 and 2.1.2)

The decision tree in Appendix 3.3.1 identifies the applicable assessment route and the requirements for the person conducting the ERA. Together with the additional ERA requirements in Appendix 3.3.2, the ERA shall be site-specific and shall follow the risk assessment method in Appendix 3.2.

3.3.1 Decision Tree

The following decision tree determines whether:

an existing legally required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or equivalent legal environmental assessment, can be used to demonstrate conformance with Indicator 2.1.1;
additional components are required to supplement an existing legally required EIA, or equivalent legal environmental assessment, to adhere to the method in Appendix 3 (3.2 and 3.3.2); or
an independent person shall conduct the ERA, demonstrating conformance with Indicator 2.1.2.

3.3.2 Environmental Risk Assessment

In addition to the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2, the site shall adhere to the following requirements for conducting an Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA).

Related to Step 1:

The following risk factors shall be considered as a minimum in conducting an ERA:

Habitat-related:

Presence of Protected Areas (see Indicator 2.2.1) and risk drivers that increase the likelihood of negative impacts upon these.
Presence of Critical Habitats (see Indicator 2.2.2) and risk drivers that increase the likelihood of negative impacts upon these.
Presence of Sensitive Habitats (see Indicator 2.2.4) and risk drivers that increase the likelihood of negative impacts upon these. As a minimum, the following sensitive habitats shall be considered:
1. Seagrass habitats (see Indicator 2.2.5); and
2. Areas containing biogenic structures that are not particularly adapted to sedimentation or organic enrichment (e.g. tubeworm mounds, bryozoan mounds, bivalve beds and reefs or sponge gardens that form a structure for other epifauna).
Presence of Wildlife Corridors (see Indicator 2.2.6) and risk drivers that increase the likelihood of negative impacts upon these.
The minimum width of the riparian zone between the site and any confined or linear waterbody (see Indicator 2.2.7).
The minimum width of the coastal barrier between the site and any large or open waterbody (see Indicator 2.2.8).
The conversion of natural wetland before and after 1999 (see Indicators 2.2.9 and 2.2.10).

Wildlife-related:

Presence of mammals, elasmobranchs, birds, amphibians or reptiles and farm-related drivers which increase the likelihood of Human-Wildlife Conflict (see Indicator 2.3.1) or other negative impacts upon these (see Indicator 2.3.3).
Presence of Threatened Species (see Indicator 2.3.2) and risk drivers that increase the likelihood of negative impacts upon these.

Related to Step 2:

See Section 3.3.1 for the competencies of the person conducting the ERA.

Related to Step 3:

In addition to the requirements prescribed in the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2, Risk level reduction shall be completed within the following timelines:

For ‘high’ risk level – reduce to ‘medium’ within a short period (for example 6-9 months after detection).
For ‘medium’ risk level – reduce to ‘low’ within a medium period (for example 12-18 months after detection).

Where a ‘medium’ risk cannot reasonably be reduced to ‘low’, the UoC shall document the justification, demonstrate that all reasonably practicable control measures have been implemented, and continue to monitor and review of the residual risk.

Related to Step 4:

No additional requirements beyond those prescribed in the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2.

Related to Step 5:

No additional requirements beyond those prescribed in the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2.

3.4 Health and Safety Risk Assessment (Indicator 3.5.1)

In addition to the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2, the site shall adhere to the following requirements for conducting a Health and Safety Risk Assessment (HSRA).

Related to Step 1:

The following risk factors shall be considered as a minimum in conducting an HSRA:

Chemical and biological

Contact with hazardous material and chemicals, including biosolids handling
Food handling
Drinking water

Diving

Electricity and electrical equipment

Other equipment

Compressed air/pressurised equipment
Sharpening tools
Machine guarding
Knives
Display screen equipment

Fire

Mechanical and manual handling

Cranes
Workplace transport
Conveyors
Operation of lift trucks
Moving heavy objects

Natural/physical disaster/event

Tsunami
Earthquake
Typhoon
Hurricane
Avalanche
Landslide

Welfare

Hygiene/comfort/welfare
Unfamiliarity with the site and/or uncertainty about the job

Workplace

Building and structure safety
Slips, trips and falls
Traffic movements/routes (deliveries etc.)
Falls from a height
Lone working
Confined spaces, including biosolids-holding units
Workstation and seating

Workplace Environment

Noise
Ventilation
Temperature
Lighting
Weather conditions, including extreme heat

Related to Step 2:

Assess the risk level for the occurrence of acute and chronic injury or damage.
See Indicator 3.5.2 for the competencies of the person conducting the HSRA.

Related to Step 3

Control measures to reduce the risk level should be taken as soon as is possible.

Related to Step 4:

No additional requirements beyond those prescribed in the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2.

Related to Step 5:

No additional requirements beyond those prescribed in the Risk Assessment Method outlined in Section 3.2.

Appendix 2 – Species-specific Performance Metrics

This Appendix lists the species-specific performance metrics for all relevant Indicators.

The metrics are set at genus or family level, or at a unique species level. The UoC shall adhere to the metric that is relevant to the cultured species.

The metrics are reviewed and revised according to the ASC Metrics Methodology. ASC relies on data as a backbone for the Programme Development and Revision Procedure, requiring farms to submit data in accordance with the ASC Data Submission Procedure.

Section
2.1 Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorous (TP) release (Indicator 2.6.1)
2.2 Feed efficiency (Indicator 2.12.5)
2.3 Mortality limits and Survival Rates (Indicator 4.1.1.6 and 4.2.1.4)
2.4. Maximum fasting duration (Indicator 4.1.2.16 and 4.1.2.31)
2.5 Antibiotic and parasiticide treatments (Indicator 4.4.14 and 4.4.15)

2.1 Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorous (TP) release (Indicator 2.6.1)

The formulae for calculating TP and TN are explained in Appendix 8.2.

Crustaceans

Penaeus spp.: TP: <5.4kg/t (except P. vannamei) TN <32.4kg/t

P. vannamei: TP: <3.9kg/t TN: <25.2kg/t

Cherax spp. Procambarus spp. Astacus spp. TP: <4.0kg/t TN: <26.1kg/t

Macrobrachium spp: TP: <6.1kg/t TN: <39.2kg/t

Pangasius

All systems: TP: ≤7.2kg/t TN: ≤27.5kg/t

Salmonids – freshwater

Land-based systems TP: ≤4kg/t

Cages TP: ≤5kg/t

Tilapia

All systems TP: ≤20kg/t

2.2 Feed efficiency (Indicator 2.12.5)

The formulae for calculating feed efficiency are explained in Appendix 15.

Crustaceans

Penaeus spp.: FFDRm: ≤1.8 (except P. vannamei)

P. vannamei: FFDRm: ≤1.3

Cherax spp. Procambarus spp. Astacus spp. FFDRm: ≤1.4

Macrobrachium spp: FFDRm: ≤2.1

Molluscs

Haliotis spp.: FFDRm: ≤0.8 FFDRo: ≤0.8

Flatfish

Paralichthys spp. Pseudopleuronectes spp. FFDRm: ≤1.6 FFDRo: ≤2.0

Hippoglossus spp. FFDRm: ≤2.0 FFDRo: ≤3.0

Scophthalmus spp. FFDRm: ≤2.5 FFDRo: ≤3.0

Pangasius

Pangasiidae: FFDRm: ≤0.5 FFDRo: ≤0.5 (complete production cycle)

Pike-perch

Sander lucioperca: FFDRm: ≤2.3 FFDRo: ≤2.95

Salmonids – freshwater

Salmo spp. Oncorhynchus spp. Salvelinus spp. Thymallus spp. Coregonus spp. FFDRm: ≤1.5 FFDRo: ≤2.95 OR max EPA + DHA content ≤9% from marine sources as percentage of fatty acids in the feed

Salmonids – marine

Salmo spp. Oncorhynchus spp. Salvelinus spp. FFDRm: ≤1.2 FFDRo: ≤2.52 OR EPA+DHA: <30g/kg feed

Seabass, Seabream, Meagre

Sparus spp.

Dicentrarchus spp. FFDRm: ≤1.85 FFDRo: ≤2.9

Pagrus spp. FFDRm: ≤2.5 FFDRo: ≤2.9

Argyrosomus spp. FFDRm: ≤2.35 FFDRo: ≤2.9

Seriola and Cobia

Seriola spp. Rachycentron canadum FFDRm: ≤2.9 FFDRo: ≤2.9

Tilapia

Oreochromis spp. Tilapia spp. Coptodon spp. FFDRm: ≤0.8 FFDRo: ≤0.8

Tropical Marine Finfish

Epinephelus spp. Cromileptes spp. Plectropomus spp. Cephalopholis spp. Lutjanus spp. Ocyurus spp. FFDRm: ≤2.6 FFDRo: ≤2.6

Trachinotus spp. FFDRm: ≤2.0 FFDRo: ≤2.0

Lates spp. FFDRm: ≤1.4 FFDRo: ≤2.0

Larimichthys spp. FFDRm: ≤2.9 FFDRo: ≤3.5

Catfish

Clarius FFDRm <1.0 FFDRo <0.5

Heterobranchus FFDRm <1.3 FFDRo <1.0

Clarius x Heterobranchus FFDRm <1.0 FFDRo <1.3

Ictaluriidae FFDRm <0.4 FFDRo <1.0

Silurus FFDRm <1.0 FFDRo <0.5

Cod FFDRm <2.3 then <2.1 from October 2029 FFDRo <1.0

2.3 Mortality Limits (Indicator 4.1.1.6) and Survival Rates (Indicator 4.2.1.4)

The formulae for calculating mortality limits are explained in Appendix 12 (12.6.1).

Catfish

Based on real percentage mortality

All systems ≤20%

Cod

Based on observed mortality rate

Viral disease related mortality ≤10% Unexplained mortality rate from each of the previous two production cycles, for sites with total mortality >6% ≤40%

Pangasius

Based on real percentage mortality

All systems ≤20%

Salmonids – marine

Based on observed mortality rate

Viral disease related mortality ≤10% Unexplained mortality rate from each of the previous two production cycles, for sites with total mortality >6% ≤40%

Tilapia

Based on real percentage mortality

All systems after they have attained a size of 100g ≤35%

The formulae for calculating survival rates are explained in Appendix 12 (12.6.1)

Crustaceans

Unfed and non-permanently aerated ponds >25% Fed but non-permanently aerated ponds >45% Fed and permanently aerated ponds >65%

2.4 Maximum fasting duration (Indicator 4.1.2.16 and 4.1.2.31)

Catfish

Maximum fasting duration 72h

Pangasius

Maximum fasting duration ≤62° days

Salmonids – marine

Maximum fasting duration ≤54° days

Salmonids – freshwater

Maximum fasting duration ≤54° days

Seabass, Seabream, Meagre

Maximum fasting duration ≤ 45° days if water temperature <15°, otherwise 72h

Seriola and Cobia

Maximum fasting duration

Seriola: 72h

Cobia: ≤ 62° days

Tropical Marine Finfish

Maximum fasting duration 72h

Cleaner Fish

Maximum fasting duration ≤54° days

2.5 Antibiotic and Parasiticide Treatments (Indicators 4.4.14 and 4.4.15)

Catfish

Number of antibiotic treatments ≤3 Number of parasiticide treatments 0

Cod

Gadus Morhua

Number of antibiotic treatments (grow out) ≤3

Number of antibiotic treatments (juvenile) ≤3

Crustaceans

Number of antibiotic treatments127127Crustaceans treated with antibiotics are not eligible for ASC certification. 0

Flatfish

Number of antibiotic treatments ≤3 Number of parasiticide treatments 0

Pangasius

Number of antibiotic treatments ≤3

Salmonids – marine

Number of antibiotic treatments (grow out) ≤3 Number of antibiotic treatments (smolt) ≤3

Seabass, Seabream, Meagre

Number of antibiotic treatments ≤3 (incl. hatchery) Number of parasiticide treatments 1 (incl. hatchery)

Seriola and Cobia

Number of parasiticide treatments 0

Tilapia

Number of antibiotic treatments ≤3

Tropical Marine Finfish

Number of antibiotic treatments ≤3 Number of parasiticide treatments 0

Appendix 1 – Abbreviations and Additional Resources

1.1 Abbreviations

Abbreviations	Term
AB	Accreditation Body
ABM	Area-based management
ADCP	Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
AF	Ablation free
AMA	Area management agreement
AMBI	AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index
ASC	Aquaculture Stewardship Council
ASFIS	Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System
ASI	Assurance Services International
ATE	Adverse turnover events
BHQ	Benthic Habitat Quality
BOD	Biological oxygen demand
BQI	Benthic Quality Index
CAB	Conformity Assessment Body
CAR	Certification and Accreditation Requirements
CFA	Continuous flow analysis
Chl-a	Chlorophyll-a concentration
CIA	Critically Important Antimicrobials
CO₂e	Carbon dioxide equivalent
CoC	Chain of Custody
CRM	Certified reference material
CT	Clearance time
DCS	Doppler Current Sensors
DDDO	Daily diurnal dissolved oxygen
DHA	Docosahexaenoic acid
DO	Dissolved oxygen
eFCR	Economic Feed Conversion Ratio
EICAT	Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa
EL	Entry level
EPA	Eicosapentaenoic acid
EQS	Ecological quality status
ERA	Environmental risk assessment
ES	Enrichment Stage
FAO	Food and Agriculture Organization
FFDR	Forage fish dependency ratio
GHG	Greenhouse gas
GL	Global level
GMO	Genetically modified organism
HAB	Harmful algal bloom
HCVA	High conservation value area
HIE	Hydrodynamically isolated embayment
HMP	Handling Management Plan
HRT	Hydraulic retention time
HSRA	Health and safety risk assessment
HWMP	Health and Welfare Management Plan
IAF	International Accreditation Forum
IBE	Institute of Business Ethics
IDH	Sustainable Trade Initiative
ILO	International Labour Organisation
IPMP	Integrated parasite management plan
ISI	Indicator Species Index
ISEAL	International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance
IUCN	International Union for Conservation of Nature
MLA	Multilateral recognition arrangement
MP	Management plan
MPA	Marine Protected Area
MRL	Maximum residue limits
MSC	Marine Stewardship Council
MSCI	Marine Stewardship Council Licensing Team
NGO	Non-governmental organisation
NQI	Norwegian Quality Index
NSI	Norwegian Sensitivity Index
OHCHR	Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
ORP	Oxidation reduction potential
PA	Protected area
PAW	Positive Animal Welfare
PIC	The Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent
PL	Post-larvae
POP	The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
PPE	Personal protective equipment
PPP	Phytoplankton primary production
PPT	Primary production time
PRE	Protein Retention Efficiency
RAS	Re-circulating aquaculture system
RT	Retention time
RW	Receiving waterbody
SAOB	Sulfide Anti-Oxidant Buffer
SD	Secchi disk
SDG	Sustainable Development Goal
SDS	Safety data sheet
TAG	Technical Advisory Group
TAN	Total ammonia nitrogen
TC	Total carbon concentration
TN	Total nitrogen concentration
TOR	Terms of Reference
TP	Total phosphorus concentration
TSS	Total suspended solids
UDHR	Universal Declaration of Human Rights
UNESCO	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UNGP	UN Guiding Principles On Business and Human Rights
UoC	Unit of Certification
VR	Variance Request
WEMP	Water Efficiency Management Plan
WHO	World Health Organisation
WNMT	Weighted number of medicinal treatments
WOAH	World Organisation for Animal Health
WQAC	Water Quality Advisory Committee
WQMN	Water Quality Monitoring Network
WUM	Waterbody unit of management

1.2 ILO Conventions

Number	Year	Title	ASC Farm Standard Criterion
Eleven Fundamental Instruments relating to ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
29	1930	Forced Labour Convention	3.2
29	2014	2014 Protocol to Forced Labour Convention	3.2
87	1948	Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention	3.6
98	1949	Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention	3.6
100	1951	Equal Remuneration Convention	3.4
105	1957	Abolition of Forced Labour Convention	3.2
111	1958	Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention	3.4
138	1973	Minimum Age Convention	3.3
155	1981	Occupational Safety and Health Convention	3.5, 3.10
182	1999	Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention	3.3
187	2006	Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention	3.5
Other Conventions
95	1949	Protection of Wages Convention	3.2, 3.8
131	1970	Minimum Wage Fixing Convention	3.8
132	1970	Holidays with Pay Convention (Revised)	3.9
135	1971	Workers’ Representatives Convention	3.6
155	1981	Occupational Safety and Health Convention	3.5
156	1981	Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention	3.4
161	1985	Occupational Health Services Convention	3.5
169	1989	Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention	3.13
170	1990	Chemicals Convention	3.5
171	1990	Night Work Convention	3.9
181	1997	Private Employment Agencies Convention	3.2
183	2000	Maternity Protection Convention	3.8
184	2001	Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention	3.5
190	2019	Violence and Harassment Convention	3.4, 3.10
R115	1961	Workers’ Housing Recommendation	3.11
R116	1962	Reduction of Hours of Work Recommendation	3.9
R130	1967	Examination of Grievances Recommendation	3.12
R198	2006	Employment Relationship Recommendation	3.7

1.3 Other conventions and declarations

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

OHCHR Convention on the Rights of the Child

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Appendices

Indicators 4.5

Applicability

Indicators

Description

4.5.1

UUID-fd6b6827-b24a-5985-247e-14898b8d5c45

applicability-placeholder-UUID-fd6b6827-b24a-5985-247e-14898b8d5c45

4.5.2

UUID-8ce5b458-bb14-060b-821a-41223f127f8f

applicability-placeholder-UUID-8ce5b458-bb14-060b-821a-41223f127f8f

4.5.3

UUID-fda67c81-70d6-2866-d688-9858d69d66b1

applicability-placeholder-UUID-fda67c81-70d6-2866-d688-9858d69d66b1

4.5.4

4.5.5

4.5.6

4.5.7

UUID-86ed0f28-7cf1-78d7-09b1-5ec20f49a36d

applicability-placeholder-UUID-86ed0f28-7cf1-78d7-09b1-5ec20f49a36d

4.5.8

UUID-4b00bc8a-b6bf-374b-8d72-d796793ed534

applicability-placeholder-UUID-4b00bc8a-b6bf-374b-8d72-d796793ed534

4.5.9

4.5.10

UUID-c82e7af6-36a8-b33e-0b1c-a5515c0d88ca

applicability-placeholder-UUID-c82e7af6-36a8-b33e-0b1c-a5515c0d88ca

4.5.11

UUID-221a36eb-227b-6c0d-1c31-6abd403d8caf

applicability-placeholder-UUID-221a36eb-227b-6c0d-1c31-6abd403d8caf

4.5.12

4.5.13

UUID-49cfa1e3-0dcc-2480-5ec3-687982cf6506

applicability-placeholder-UUID-49cfa1e3-0dcc-2480-5ec3-687982cf6506

4.5.14

4.5.15

UUID-c84ba60a-2f55-442b-fb10-9f5bf2637bef

applicability-placeholder-UUID-c84ba60a-2f55-442b-fb10-9f5bf2637bef

4.5.16

UUID-de7d2258-3cf6-cee8-2d10-234551fa0ed4

applicability-placeholder-UUID-de7d2258-3cf6-cee8-2d10-234551fa0ed4

4.5.17

UUID-a4b9d19e-ddc0-eef4-781f-432ef6f78fb4

applicability-placeholder-UUID-a4b9d19e-ddc0-eef4-781f-432ef6f78fb4

Rationale 4.5

Responsible health management is crucial for the wellbeing of cultured aquatic animals, farm viability, and the protection of the surrounding environment and wildlife. Parasites can harm both farmed stock and native species and may spread disease. However, improper use of parasiticides can lead to resistance and contamination. With proper aquatic animal husbandry, monitoring and treatment, these disease risks can be managed.

In areas with multiple farms, collaborative and coordinated management is necessary to reduce disease transfer and prevent resistance to treatments. Sea lice on salmon farms are a particular concern because their proliferation may lead to negative impacts on native salmon or seatrout123123Costello, M. J. (2009). How sea lice from salmon farms may cause wild salmonid declines in Europe and North America and be a threat to fishes elsewhere. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 276(1672), 3385-3394.. Reducing sea lice burden on salmon farms minimises potential impacts on native fish and also benefits the welfare of farmed fish.

This Criterion focuses on ASC-certified farms minimising the risk of transmission to native salmonids by maintaining low sea lice levels on-farm, collaborating on research on native fish stocks, and monitoring and reporting.

Intent – The aquaculture industry actively manages farm sea lice load to reduce risks to native salmonids.

Criterion 4.5 – Parasite Management (Sea Lice)

Scope – Cage culture marine salmonids

Indicators 4.4

Applicability

Indicators

Description

4.4.1

4.4.2

UUID-23e36eed-e701-3e77-319b-b525d169022d

applicability-placeholder-UUID-23e36eed-e701-3e77-319b-b525d169022d

4.4.3

UUID-591f4e4a-8ba8-32a1-a518-a05f422db1de

applicability-placeholder-UUID-591f4e4a-8ba8-32a1-a518-a05f422db1de

4.4.4

UUID-187ebcba-0d14-d5a1-7749-2f056133aa98

applicability-placeholder-UUID-187ebcba-0d14-d5a1-7749-2f056133aa98

4.4.5

UUID-f7352fc2-e34d-6a9e-c632-c11c91c48c1a

applicability-placeholder-UUID-f7352fc2-e34d-6a9e-c632-c11c91c48c1a

4.4.6

UUID-dc46732c-7f8c-970d-e1c0-07962f4f46a4

applicability-placeholder-UUID-dc46732c-7f8c-970d-e1c0-07962f4f46a4

4.4.7

UUID-8ca517f5-b0ee-5c90-af38-9bd2c722078c

applicability-placeholder-UUID-8ca517f5-b0ee-5c90-af38-9bd2c722078c

4.4.8

4.4.9

UUID-a96ce4f6-cd39-36bb-1f2e-dc62747d298e

applicability-placeholder-UUID-a96ce4f6-cd39-36bb-1f2e-dc62747d298e

4.4.10

UUID-2e6dc0bc-c938-0253-3728-6bd2c76c6ba4

applicability-placeholder-UUID-2e6dc0bc-c938-0253-3728-6bd2c76c6ba4

4.4.11

4.4.12

4.4.13

UUID-e85bbcd0-94a2-df82-403d-2c6f9ac1ba9e

applicability-placeholder-UUID-e85bbcd0-94a2-df82-403d-2c6f9ac1ba9e

4.4.14

4.4.15

4.4.16

UUID-a723f0be-50ff-c3ba-eb09-570b5b33042f

applicability-placeholder-UUID-a723f0be-50ff-c3ba-eb09-570b5b33042f

4.4.17

UUID-9d5f2c01-03c5-a065-5033-28160815c4c1

applicability-placeholder-UUID-9d5f2c01-03c5-a065-5033-28160815c4c1

4.4.18

UUID-f26d0d3e-c3b0-29e8-84a7-f1cd42091843

applicability-placeholder-UUID-f26d0d3e-c3b0-29e8-84a7-f1cd42091843

4.4.19

UUID-e155bc5c-5307-d014-0f20-aef9148ffce8

applicability-placeholder-UUID-e155bc5c-5307-d014-0f20-aef9148ffce8

Filter content

Appendix 5 – Methods for Calculating Phytoplankton Depletion by Bivalve Culture

Appendix 4 – Allowance for siting in PAs

Appendix 3 – Method for risk management

Appendix 2 – Species-specific Performance Metrics

Appendix 1 – Abbreviations and Additional Resources

Appendices

Indicators 4.5

Indicators

Description

Rationale 4.5

Criterion 4.5 – Parasite Management (Sea Lice)

Indicators 4.4

Indicators

Description