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Indicator 2.6.8

Requirement

The UoC shall establish a Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN), following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7). An exception applies where a WQMN is already established, in which case the UoC shall participate in the WQMN.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • Evidence of spatial management at a national/regional level for water quality can be used by the UoC to demonstrate that the intent of Indicator 2.6.8 has been met. To use this evidence, the following should be met:

    • The boundaries of waterbodies are defined.

      • Waterbodies are managed to ensure water quality remains at a ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ status.

      • Where required, corrective actions are implemented by the regulator and complied with to ensure water quality status improves.

    • Examples of spatial management at a national/regional level include the European Union Water Framework Directive.

    • It is the responsibility of the UoC to conduct outreach to ASC Certified sites and non-certified sites belong to ASC Certificate Holders if a Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN) has not been established.

  • Examples of outreach can include:

    • Copies of correspondence (written and email).

    • Agendas and minutes of meetings.

    • Third-party stakeholder testimony.

  • As per Appendix 8, section 8.7, a Terms of Reference (ToR) document shall be drafted and agreed upon by all members of the WQMN upon formation, which includes the following:

    • The membership list and commitments from members to meet the WQMN requirements, as outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7.1).

    • The assignment of a focal point, who will coordinate data sharing, the drafting of the ToR and agreement to the ToR by all members of the WQMN.

    • The focal point should ideally be a rotating position, though determination is left to discretion of the WQMN membership.

    • A commitment to review the ToR on a regular basis (for example every 12 months) or as and when required, such as when changes in membership of the WQMN occur, or when the waterbody demonstrates evidence of excessive nutrient loading, eutrophication or trophic status shifts.

Evidence of Implementation

  • An agreed map of the WUM by members of the WQMN, which includes the components outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7).

  • The map should be updated on an annual basis where required.

  • Evidence of outreach efforts and responses (where applicable) to ASC Certified site and non-certified sites belong to ASC Certificate Holders if a WQMN needs to be established.

  • If a WQMN has been established, the UoC presents evidence that they have joined the WQMN or the UoC can demonstrate the spatial management of water quality at a national/regional level.

  • A ToR has been agreed upon by all members of the WQMN, which includes commitments to the WQMN requirements, as outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7.1).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • A map of the WUM has been developed by the WQMN and presented by the UoC, which includes the components outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7).

  • Evidence of outreach efforts and responses to ASC Certified site and non-certified sites belong to ASC Certificate Holders if a WQMN needs to be established.

  • Auditor discretion should be used to determine if sufficient levels of outreach has been conducted, when such outreach has not been reciprocated.

  • Evidence that the UoC has formed/joined a WQMN, or that the UoC presents evidence that water quality is managed at a national/regional level.

  • A ToR has been presented, which has been agreed upon by all members of the WQMN. The ToR includes commitments to the WQMN requirements, as outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7.1).

Indicator 2.6.7

Requirement

The UoC shall ensure that the person conducting water quality monitoring has the necessary competencies, experience and training. The UoC shall ensure that the person defining the WUM has the necessary competencies. In cases where regulatory requirements are defined, the UoC shall ensure that the person defining the WUM complies with these requirements.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • To demonstrate competence, personnel responsible for conducting water quality analysis and defining the WUM should be able to:

    • Perform the required sampling and/or analysis.

    • Operate sampling/analytical equipment.

      • Develop, change, verify and validate methods.

    • Use suitable reference standards.

    • Analyse sampling and calibration results, including statements of conformity and interpretations.

      • Record, review and authorise the release of results.

    • Contribute to or produce reports that can clearly and concisely explain whether the results meet the requirements.

      • Have completed relevant training modules.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The personnel responsible for conducting water quality analysis and defining the WUM have competencies to do so, for example a suitable level of education and/or experience.

    • Where applicable, the personnel meet national requirements/qualifications for the spatial definition and/or management of waterbodies.

  • Relevant training modules have been completed by the personnel responsible for conducting water quality analysis and defining the WUM.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • The personnel responsible for conducting water quality analysis and defining the WUM have the necessary competencies.

    • Where applicable, national requirements/qualifications are met by the personnel defining the WUM.

  • Evidence has been presented that relevant training modules have been completed.

Indicator 2.6.6

Requirement

The UoC shall define the Waterbody Unit of Management (WUM), following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.6). An exception applies where a WUM is already defined, in which case the UoC shall provide evidence of the defined WUM.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The following characteristics should be used to define the Waterbody Unit of Management (WUM):

    • The WUM reflects a logical geographic scope, for example, a lake and its catchment area.

    • The boundaries of the waterbody reflect the ability to realistically manage eutrophication risk within it.

    • Boundary setting should consider hydro-morphology, bathymetry, water movement and stratification characteristics.

      • Areas with high risk of adverse impacts due to cumulative effects, for example HIEs in larger waterbodies, should be a separate WUM.

      • Areas established for water quality monitoring at a national or regional level.

    • The Water Quality Advisory Committee (WQAC) can resolve issues with defining the WUM where the WUM boundaries are not clear.

Evidence of Implementation

  • A map of the WUM which includes the components outlined in Appendix 8 (8.6).

    • The map should be updated on an annual basis where required.

  • The results of measurements to confirm if the WUM is a HIE (if applicable).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • A map of the WUM has been developed and presented by the UoC, according to the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.6).

Indicator 2.6.5

Requirement

The UoC shall ensure that the Receiving Waterbody (RW) has been classified per site as Type A, B or C, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.5).

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The UoC should initially define the boundaries of the Receiving Waterbody (RW) based on hydrological characteristics, which determines its sensitivity to nutrient enrichment.

    • Hydrodynamically isolated embayments (HIEs) should be treated as separate waterbodies during the classification process.

  • Marine waterbodies include:

    • Off-shore and inshore coastal systems.

    • More enclosed waterbodies susceptible to seawater intrusion through tidal exchange or storm surges.

    • Exposed near-shore waterbodies (i.e. not in a bay or channelised system) and offshore waterbodies will be classified as Type C.

    • Once the boundaries of the RW are defined, HRT should be calculated unless the RW is an exposed near-shore or offshore waterbody.

      • The area and average depth of the waterbody need to be determined.

    • The cross-sectional area of the waterbody outflow or channel is required to calculate flow rate.

    • A transect should be determined from one side of the outflow/channel to the other side.

      • The length (in metres) of the transect is multiplied by the average depth of the transect to determine the cross-sectional area.

      • The cross-sectional area in then multiplied by the flow velocity (V). The result of this calculation is the flow rate (Q).

      • If a marine waterbody has HRT ≥5 days, it is a Type A, if it is ≤ 5 days, it is Type C.

    • Determining flow rate and levels of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) will distinguish between Type B and C freshwater bodies.

    • Flow rate can be obtained from regulatory bodies. Low flow then needs to be calculated by plotting the cumulative distribution of the data and calculating the 25^th^ percentile of the cumulative distribution.

    • This can be calculated in Microsoft Excel using the cumulative distribution function. The 25^th^ percentile (or quartile) can then be calculated.

  • Waterbody types designated under national legislation should be used only if the following are met:

    • The classification includes area-based water quality monitoring.

      • Targets are used to determine good ecological status. An example is the Water Framework Directive.

Evidence of Implementation

  • A map of the Receiving Waterbody, which outlines:

    • The area and average depth of the waterbody; and,

      • The location where flow rate (Q) was determined; or,

    • That the site is in a RW which is an exposed near-shore or off-shore marine RW (Type C only).

    • The waterbody classification, which includes outputs from HRT, flow rate and TSS calculations.

      • The methods used to measure flow rate and TSS, in accordance with Appendix 8 (8.5 and 8.12).

      • If applicable, evidence that demonstrates alternative methodologies to calculate TSS or flow rate are equivalent to the ones in Appendix 8 (8.5).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • A map has been presented by the UoC which outlines the RW, and which supports the classification of the RW.

  • The results of the HRT calculation and flow rate/TSS measurements conducted by the UoC.

    • These results will support the RW classification determined by the UoC.

  • Evidence presented by the UoC, demonstrating the methods used to measure flow rate and TSS, in accordance with Appendix 8 (8.5 and 8.12).

Useful Resources

[Steps to determine whether the RW is a HIE are as follows:]

1. If the site is in a waterbody that has been identified as a HIE by a regulatory body, this will form the boundaries of the RW.

2. Review the characteristics of the RW and determine if at least one of the following is identified:

  • The RW has poor connectivity to deep offshore waters, and/or;

  • The RW is sheltered from energetic conditions e.g., inflows, currents, exposure to onshore or monsoonal winds, and/or;

  • The hypolimnion is periodically or permanently poorly flushed.

> Where the RW shares these characteristics, it is possible to demonstrate the RW is not a HIE. The steps to demonstrate that the RW is not a HIE are as follows:

1. Identify the narrowest point in the embayment opening (red line in Figure 1).

2. Establish two transects of length, which start at the narrowest point and extend in and out of the embayment (red dashed line in Figure 1).

3. Collect water samples at 0.5m depth from an equal number of equally spaces sites in each transect.

4. Analyse water samples for concentrations of chloride, conductivity, salinity, TN or TP. Analytical methods for TN and TP can be found in Appendix 8 (8.12).

5. Plot the concentrations of the parameter analysed in step 4 against their position on the transects.

6. Based on the results from step 5, determine whether there is a statistically significant increasing or decreasing trend in concentrations moving from the furthest offshore to the most enclosed site.

7. An embayment is hydrologically isolated when a statistically significant increasing or decreasing trend in concentrations has been determined.

Figure 1. Tracer sampling points along a transect for HIE determination.

Indicator 2.6.4

Requirement

Indicator scope: cages The UoC shall ensure that cages are sited under at least one of the following conditions: – In water that is at least twice the cage depth; or, – ≥10m above the bottom of the waterbody; or, – During periods at >75% peak biomass, the velocity of the current below the cages is >0.1 m/s, measured according to Appendix 8 (8.4).3333An exemption applies to sites situated in areas classified as having a “hard bottom”. Evidence is required to support the classification “hard bottom”.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The UoC should initially determine the depth of the waterbody in comparison to the depth of the cage.

  • Measurements should take place at the lowest water level and from the bottom of the cage.

  • Depth should also be measured from the outer circumference of the culture containment space, i.e. excluding predator nets, mortality collection chambers etc.

  • In tidal systems, the depth should be measured at mean low water spring tide (MLWS).

  • If the depth of the water column (surface to seafloor) is less than 10m or less than double the cage depth, the UoC should measure the current velocity below the cage to determine whether the >0.1 m/s threshold is met.

Evidence of Implementation

  • Results of measurements which demonstrate that all cages in the UoC meet the depth/current velocity requirements in Indicator 2.6.4.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • The UoC has provided evidence demonstrating that all cage systems meet the siting requirements outlined in Indicator 2.6.4.

  • If mean current velocity is used to meet the requirement, the UoC has provided evidence that measurements were taken during periods with >75% peak biomass.

Useful Resources

Indicator 2.6.1

Requirement

Indicator scope: fed systems The UoC shall adhere to species-specific limits on Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) release, according to Appendix 2(2.1). 2.6.2 Indicator scope: fed systems Reporting The UoC shall annually report to ASC TN and TP release (Indicator 2.6.1), according to ASC data submission procedure.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • TN and TP in the feed are required for the calculations. TN and TP content in the feed should be obtained from the feed supplier.

  • The suitability of the TN and TP limits per tonne of production should be reviewed if the UoC is in a Type A waterbody and needs to implement corrective actions, in accordance with Indicator 2.6.13.

  • The annual limits may need to be reduced to prevent shifts in trophic status or correct increases in limiting nutrients.

  • Equipment used to measure TN and TP per tonne of production should be calibrated according to the technical specifications. The equipment used will be based on the formula used in Appendix 8 (8.2):

    • Equipment is required for Formula 2 to measure TN and TP concentration in the influent and effluent water and the volume of the effluent water.

    • Equipment is required for Formula 3 to measure TN and TP concentration in the influent and effluent water.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The formula (outlined in Appendix 8 (8.1)) used to determine the TN and TP load per tonne of production.

  • Results of the TN and TP load per tonne of production based on the relevant calculation.

  • Equipment to measure TN and TP load per tonne of production has been calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, based on the formula used in Appendix 8 (8.2).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • TN and TP load per tonne of production has been determined.

  • Species-specific limits have been adhered to (where applicable) over the previous 24-month period.

    • TN and TP have been determined and reported where species-specific limits are not available.

  • The UoC has calibrated the equipment used to determine the TN and TP load per tonne of production, based on the formula used in Appendix 8 (8.2).

Indicator 2.5.6

Requirement

Indicator applicability: cage culture, suspended marine mollusc systems The UoC shall report to ASC the benthic status, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Indicator 2.4.21

Requirement

The UoC shall time fallowing periods to occur outside the out-migration period of native salmonids.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This indicator requires the UoC to schedule fallowing periods outside the out-migration period of native salmonids.

  • The UoC should

    • Identify the local out-migration period of native salmonids in its operating region.

    • Schedule fallowing periods so that no fish are present in cages during this time.

    • Work with scientists, local fishery trusts, and regulatory bodies to align fallowing timing with migration patterns.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The out-migration period of native salmonids has been determined.

  • Documents demonstrating fallowing periods have been scheduled outside the out-migration period.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Fallowing periods occur outside the out-migration period of native salmonids.

Indicator 2.4.20

Requirement

The UoC shall publicly disclose the scientific baseline study (see Indicator 2.4.19).

Indicator 2.4.19

Requirement

The UoC shall conduct, in collaboration with the local fishery trust(s), a scientific baseline study to determine the genetic composition of the contemporary native and farmed salmonid population(s) in the waterbody where it operates. The baseline study shall: a. use credible methodologies and analysis and undergo peer review; and b. include known historical farmed and native salmonid genetic profiles; and c. determine if changes in the genetic composition of the contemporary native salmonid population(s) have occurred; and d. if changes in the genetic composition of the contemporary native salmonid population(s) are detected, seek to determine if these have occurred through introgression of farmed salmon or through other mechanisms; and e. be updated every three years.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This Indicator requires the UoC to conduct a collaborative scientific baseline study on the genetic composition of both native and farmed salmonid populations in the waterbody where it operates.

    • The goal is to assess potential genetic changes in wild populations, particularly from interbreeding (introgression) with farmed salmon, and ensure ongoing monitoring.

  • The study should establish a genetic baseline for comparison over time and should follow rigorous scientific methods and undergo peer review for credibility.

  • The study should use established genetic analysis techniques (e.g. DNA sequencing, microsatellite markers, SNP analysis).

  • The study should, if available, include known historical genetic profiles of both native and farmed salmonid populations in the waterbody.

  • The study should determine if genetic changes have occurred in native populations and identify if this is the result from introgression from farmed fish or other evolutionary pressures.

  • The study must be updated every three years.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The UoC maintains records of the conducted study or demonstrates that the study is under development.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Verify that the study has been concluded and has been conducted according to the requirements or is under development.