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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 2.6.3

Requirement

Indicator scope: cage-fed systems with feed of a diameter ≥3mm. The UoC shall ensure that feed used contains <1% fines, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.3).

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • Indicator 2.6.3 complements the other water quality indicators by addressing the direct release of uneaten feed in the form of fines into the environment.

  • Setting a maximum percentage of fines in the feed addresses the efficient and proper transport, storage and physical delivery of feed pellets to the site.

  • Poor performance in any of the above phases of feed handling will result in a higher percentage of fines (fine particles of feed) and potentially greater impacts on water quality, due to an increase in suspended organic particles and nutrients released into the environment.

  • Sampling of feed lots includes feed delivered as material in bulk, big bags and small bags to the site.

  • Testing by the feed manufacturer to the UoC is permissible where there is no significant risk of feed deterioration during subsequent handling, storage or application.

    • The UoC should demonstrate that deterioration in feed does not take place during the processes outlined above.

    • The UoC should report the schedule and location of testing of feed if it is not conducted on-site.

  • Rationale for not testing on site should also be reported.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The method used to determine the percentage of fines in feed, in accordance with Appendix 8 (8.3).

  • The determination and documentation of a schedule and location for the testing of feed.

  • If testing takes place prior to delivery to the site, the rationale should be documented for not testing on site.

  • Calibration of sieving machines (if used) in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • The rationale for the timing and location of feed sampling.

  • The UoC has appropriate testing technology on site and that, if applicable, it is calibrated as required.

  • The method used to determine the percentage of fines in feed, in accordance with Appendix 8 (8.3).

  • Review testing results and confirm that results demonstrate feed contains <1% of fines.

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 2.4.21

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.

Indicator 2.4.18

Requirement

The UoC shall collaborate with fishery trust(s) in conducting native salmonid monitoring programme(s) in the waterbody where it operates.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This Indicator requires the UoC to collaborate with local fishery trusts in conducting native salmonid monitoring programmes within the waterbody where it operates.

    • The purpose is to track the status of native salmonid populations and assess potential impacts from aquaculture activities. ‘Collaborate’ would imply involvement e.g. beyond providing funding or passive support.

  • Collaboration may include:

    • Sharing data on site operations and potential interactions with native salmonids.

    • Assisting in monitoring efforts (e.g. providing access to sites, participating in surveys).

    • Supporting scientific research or environmental assessments.

  • The monitoring programme should address as minimum:

    • Tracking population health, abundance and migration patterns of wild salmonids.

    • Assessing genetic integrity (to detect any impact from escaped farmed fish).

Evidence of Implementation

  • The UoC maintains records (e.g. agreements, partnerships, etc.) of collaboration with fishery trust(s).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Records have been presented to demonstrate collaboration with fishery trust(s).

Indicator 2.4.17

Requirement

The UoC shall communicate each escape incident to the local fishery trust(s).

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This indicator requires the UoC to notify local fishery trusts whenever an escape incident occurs to ensure transparency, facilitate environmental monitoring and support mitigation efforts.

  • For each escape incident, the UoC must report key details such as:

    • Date and time of the escape.

    • Estimated number of escaped fish.

    • Species involved.

    • The UoC should identify the relevant local fishery trust(s) and establish clear communication channels. Fishery trusts are typically regional organisations responsible for managing wild fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. They may include government agencies, conservation groups or local fisheries management bodies.

Evidence of Implementation

  • In case of escapes, the UoC shall maintain records of communications with fishery trusts (emails, reports or acknowledgments).

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Verify that, in case of escapes, the UoC has communicated each escape incident to the fishery trusts.

Indicator 2.4.16

Requirement

The UoC shall only stock smolts produced in cage culture if the supplier operates in a region where native salmonids of the same species are present.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • n/a

Evidence of Implementation

  • n/a

n/a

  • n/a

Indicator 2.4.15

Requirement

Indicator applicability: tilapia with an EICAT Category MO or MR/MV The UoC shall use all-male stock.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This Indicator requires that the UoC only stocks tilapia that is ‘all-male’ if the EICAT Category is set at Moderate (MO), Major (MR) or Massive (MV).

Evidence of Implementation

  • Documents demonstrating that the UoC is aware of the EICAT Category.

  • If the EICAT Category is set at Moderate (MO), Major (MR) or Massive (MV) documents demonstrate that the stocked tilapia is ‘all-male’.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • The correct EICAT categorisation is applied.

  • If the EICAT Category is set at Moderate (MO), Major (MR) or Massive (MV), documents have been presented to demonstrate all stocked tilapia are ‘all-male’.

Indicator 2.4.14

Requirement

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MO or MR/MV The UoC shall count fish with a minimum of 98% accuracy.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • This Indicator requires the UoC to ensure that fish counting procedures achieve a minimum accuracy of 98%, meaning that the error margin must not exceed 2% and applies to both manual and automated counting methods.

  • The total number of fish at key stages of production (e.g. stocking and harvesting) needs to be counted.

  • The actual count should be within 2% of the true number (e.g. if 100,000 fish are stocked, the count must be between 98,000 and 102,000).

  • Acceptable counting methods include e.g.:

    • Automated systems: optical counters, AI-based image recognition or volumetric counting.

    • Manual counting: hand counting, sample-based extrapolation or visual verification.

Evidence of Implementation

  • The UoC shall demonstrate that fish are counted at key stages of production (e.g. stocking and harvesting) using a method that achieves 98% accuracy.

  • If automated systems are used, ensure they are regularly calibrated.

  • Documentation of counting procedures, accuracy checks and error rates.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Results of fish counts at key stages of production have been presented.

  • That calibration of the counting method is conducted.

  • Documents are maintained to record counting procedures, accuracy checks and error rates.