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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?

Useful Resources

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 4.1.1.23

Requirement

Indicator applicability: every UoC using feed The UoC shall develop and implement a feeding plan that considers at least all of the following: a) time and frequency of feeding; and b) feed rations; and c) feeding methods; and d) different environmental conditions; and e) prevention of use of feed which has expired, spoiled or shows signs of excessive leakage; and f) feed types for the nutritional needs and life stages of the species. An exception applies to (f) when such feeds are not available, in which case the UoC shall use feed suitable for animals with similar nutritional needs. **

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

Indicator 4.1.1.22

Requirement

The UoC shall only stock cleaner fish: a) during daylight; and b) in calm weather; and c) below the waterline; and d) close to hides and refuges; and e) after salmon have been fed; and f) without forcing removal from their transport container.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The timing of the stocking will be documented.

  • Training of staff should include handling of cleaner fish.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The stocking record along with the site diary.

  • Training records.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Stocking records

  • Site diary

  • Training records.

Useful Resources

Indicator 4.1.1.21

Requirement

The UoC shall provide hides and refuges for the cleaner fish that are: a) designed and placed according to the species-specific needs; and b) sufficient for the number of cleaner fish stocked.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The amount of refuges and hides will be determined by their species and the number stocked as well as the need for rotation during cleaning.

  • This will need to be discussed with the veterinarian or fish health professional.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The stocking numbers and numbers of hides and refuges.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Stocking number of cleaner fish

  • Adequate level of hides and refuges should be verified by:

    • Observation of the hides and refuges.

    • Observation of the cleaner fish.

Useful Resources