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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 4.1.1.28

Requirement

The UoC shall report to ASC mortality data of cleaner fish, according to ASC data submission procedures, and following the method outlined in Appendix 12 (12.5.1). Comment box In this first version of Principle 4 in the ASC Farm Standard, there is no requirement to develop a traffic light system (see indicator 4.1.1.10.5) or analyse trends to determine changes in health and welfare (see indicator 4.1.1.10.6) for cleaner fish. However, it is expected that going forward, all these requirements will also be included for cleaner fish.

Indicator 4.1.1.27

Requirement

The UoC shall calculate cleaner fish stocking densities in relation to salmon stocking, following the method outlined In Appendix 12 (12.5.4).

Indicator 4.1.1.26.5

Table 1. Requirements for Indicator 4.1.1.26.5

Indicator

Requirement

4.1.1.26.5

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a mortality reduction plan which defines annual targets for both total and unexplained mortalities and shall implement appropriate actions to meet the annual targets. **


How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

Indicator 4.1.1.26.4

Table 1. Requirements for Indicator 4.1.1.26.4

Indicator

Requirement

4.1.1.26.4

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a mortality monitoring process which includes at least the following: a) daily monitoring and recording of mortalities; and b) removal of mortalities at least every second day; and, c) classification of all recovered mortalities and conducting a post-mortem analysis for each mortality event; and d) investigation of mortality events which remain unexplained or unattributed to fish health reasons; and e) daily collection of moribund fish and culling according to Criterion 4.1.3. Where any of the listed items above are not possible, the UoC shall record the reason. **


How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

Indicator 4.1.1.26.3

Table 1. Requirements for Indicator 4.1.1.26.3

Indicator

Requirement

4.1.1.26.3

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a feeding behaviour scoring monitoring process for live cleaner fish. Monitoring shall be conducted weekly. An exception applies where deviation from weekly monitoring is justified under environmental conditions that affect the welfare of the cleaner fish or the health and safety of employees. The reason for any deviation shall be recorded. **


How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

Indicator 4.1.1.26.2

Table 1. Requirements for Indicator 4.1.1.26.2

Indicator

Requirement

4.1.1.26.2

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a morphological scoring monitoring process for live cleaner fish. Monitoring shall be conducted at least once every three months, and shall include at least the following scoring parameters: – eye damage – operculum damage – skin damage – fin damage – deformities – change of colouration – emaciation An exception applies where deviation from monitoring frequency is justified by any of the following reasons: – immediately after stocking; or – under environmental conditions that affect the welfare of the cleaner fish or the health and safety of employees; or – cleaner fish are undergoing a disease event and/or being treated. The reason for any deviation shall be recorded.


How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

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Indicator 4.1.1.26.1

Table 1. Requirements for Indicator 4.1.1.26.1

Indicator

Requirement

4.1.1.26.1

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a water quality monitoring process according to Appendix 12 (12.3, Table 2). **


How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

Indicator 4.1.1.26

Requirement

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a site-specific Health and Welfare Management Plan (HWMP), approved by a registered veterinarian, with the intent to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure good health and welfare of cleaner fish. The HWMP shall include all of the following: a) disease monitoring; and b) response, including quarantine, treatment, and humane culling; and c) reporting mechanisms, including reporting WOAH-notifiable disease to authorities; and d) biosecurity risks; and e) predation risks. The HWMP shall be reviewed, and revised as necessary, at least at the end of every period of cleaner fish use.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

Indicator 4.1.1.25

Requirement

The UoC shall ensure that a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional periodically visits the site to perform routine checks. Checks shall be carried out at least annually, as well as reactively in cases of fish health or welfare concerns. **

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This clause overlaps with Indicator 4.1.1.8 regarding fish. Please refer to Indicator 4.1.1.8 for a detailed description.

Indicator 4.1.1.24

Requirement

The UoC shall ensure that cleaner fish feed is not withdrawn to enhance sea lice control.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The cleaner fish will have a feeding plan that is not affected by the number of sea lice on the salmon.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The feeding records of the cleaner fish.

  • Cleaner fish feed purchase records.

  • Assessment of cleaner fish morphology to ensure no emaciation.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Feed purchase records.

  • Veterinary records of assessing cleaner fish.

  • Morphological checks (see Indicator 4.1.1.27.2).

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