ASC Farm Standard v1.0.1 - Farm-v1.0
ASC Farm Standard v1.0.1

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ASC Farm Standard v1.0.1

Version control

Version control, available language(s), and copyright notice

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is the owner of this document.

Trade register number 34389683

For feedback or questions regarding the content of this document, please contact ASC via
standards@asc-aqua.org.

Document ID: ASC-STD-001

Version control

Document version history:

Version:Issue Date:Effective date:Mandatory date:Remarks/changes
V1.01 May 20251 August 20251 May 2027New document
V1.0.11 August 20251 August 20251 May 2027Non-substantive corrections and clarifications
only – full details can be found here: https://programme-centre.asc-aqua.org/app/uploads/2025/08/ASC-Farm-Standard-V1.0.1-Non-substantive-corrections-and-clarifications.pdf

The ASC Farm Standard will become effective on August 1st 2025. From this date, ASC will start accepting audit announcements against the ASC Farm Standard. Recognising the need for farms to transition to the new ASC Farm Standard, it will only become mandatory on May 1st 2027. From this date, all audit announcements must be against the ASC Farm Standard.

It is the responsibility of the user of the document to use the latest version as published on the ASC website.

Review and revision

ASC shall review this Standard at least once every five years according to the requirements of the ISEAL Code of Good Practice, considering its continued relevance against ASC’s intended outcomes and impacts, and its effectiveness in meeting ASC’s objectives.

If review determines that revision is necessary, ASC shall revise the Standard accordingly, publishing the new version on the ASC website with the issue date, effective date and date of next review.

If review determines that revision is not necessary, ASC shall reaffirm the standard, communicate publicly about the decision and rationale, and establish the date of next review.

Available language(s)

The ASC Farm Standard document is available in the following language(s):

Version:Available languages:
V1.0English (official language)
Japanese
Korean
Spanish
Turkish
Vietnamese

In case of any inconsistencies and/or discrepancies between available translation(s) and the English version, the online English version (PDF format) will prevail.

Copyright notice

This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be requested via standards@asc-aqua.org.

Introduction

About ASC

The Power of Seafood

A nutritious protein source and a key component of global food security, 3.3 billion people rely on seafood for at least 20% of their animal protein consumption, and between 400 – 600 million people are directly and indirectly involved with the industry11UN Fisheries Panel (COFI36): Aquaculture as a solution to food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty.

With population estimates of 10 billion by 2050, and with wild caught fisheries at capacity, farmed seafood comprises almost 60% of seafood consumed as its numbers and importance continues to grow. Care must be taken immediately to limit the industry’s negative impacts.

Responsible seafood farming eases pressure on natural resources, protects precious ecosystems, promotes economic opportunities and addresses food security challenges, caring for seafood, people and the planet. A crucial link in the circular economy, it upcycles multiple by-product streams into much needed high-quality protein.

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Our vision

A world where seafood farming plays a major role in supplying food and social benefits for humanity whilst minimising negative impacts on the environment

Our Mission

To transform seafood farming towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility, creating value across the chain using market mechanisms, improvement incentives and delivering value-added services from farm to fork

Picture-1-cropped

Transforming Seafood Farming

ASC is accelerating the transformation of the farmed seafood industry by:

  • Championing Change – raising awareness of what needs to change and collaborating to create pathways for the change required to accelerate positive impact on people and planet, fish and farms.
  • Making Change – developing and implementing the world’s leading independent certification and improver programmes for responsibly farmed seafood.

Our supply chain partners choose ASC certification for the most robust standards and the highest assurance ensuring traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain. By choosing ASC labelled seafood, consumers in over 100 countries are contributing to a sustainable future.

Making an Impact

The impact of the ASC programmes in the seafood farming industry is substantiated across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)22For more information on ASC’s SDG work, see https://www.asc-aqua.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ASC-SDG-Report2022-1.pdf.

FS SDG Graphic

Simplifying this target framework, ASC contributes specifically to the following areas:

  • Conserving Biodiversity
  • Addressing Climate Change
  • Fostering Fish Health and Welfare
  • Improving Lives, Livelihoods and Communities

In addition to the focus of ASC programmes on these key SDGs, the ASC standards contribute to a broader range of SDGs at different levels to address the impacts of seafood farming on fish health and welfare, people and planet.

Throughout the ASC Farm Standard, there are SDG icons showing which are contributed to at both Principle and Criterion levels.

Note that the extent to which any ASC certified farm contributes to these SDGs will depend on its specific circumstances, including its scope, the species farmed, the nature of its operations, workforce, geography and neighbouring stakeholders.

SDG List

ASC Certification Programmes

ISEAL Community Membership

ISEAL is a global membership organisation for ambitious, collaborative and transparent sustainability systems, that drives collective efforts to tackle the most pressing sustainability issues and create a world where markets are a force for good.

The ASC Certification Programme is ISEAL Code Compliant. The ISEAL Code is a globally recognised framework that defines best practices for effective and credible sustainability systems.

Normative references

The documents listed below are a normative part of the ASC Certification Programme:

  • ASC Farm Standard
  • ASC Farm and Feed Certification and Accreditation Requirements (CAR)
  • ASC Group Requirements for Farms
  • ASC Vocabulary
  • ASC Data Submission Procedure
  • ASC Data Submission Requirements

Additional documents are referred to in Indicators and Appendices of this Standard in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document.

For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

Supporting documents and tools

The documents and tools listed below support the implementation of the ASC Certification Programme:

  • ASC Farm Standard Interpretation Manual
  • ASC Programme Centre
  • ASC Calculators to support calculations for Criterion 2.6 (Water Quality), 2.10 (GHG Emissions) and 3.8 (Living Wage)
  • Various templates
  • Data Portal

Certification Programme

The ASC Certification Programme is a voluntary third-party certification programme consisting of the following independent actors:

Scheme Owner: Aquaculture Stewardship Council

As scheme owner, ASC sets and maintains standards and associated assurance documents and their underpinning procedures, as well documents and resources that support the implementation of the Certification Programme.

An overview of all documents and the latest version can be found on the ASC Controlled Document Master List.

Conformity Assessment Body: Provide certification services in accordance with the requirements of this scheme.

The legal entity responsible for the Unit of Certification (UoC), contracts a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) which employs auditor(s) that conduct an independent conformity assessment (hereafter ‘audit’) of the UoC against the relevant ASC Standard. 

The management requirements for CABs as well as auditor competency requirements are described in the CAR document and are assured through accreditation.

Integrity Services Provider and Accreditation Body:

The Integrity Services Provider is appointed by ASC to oversee the integrity of the programme. 

Integrity services and accreditation are currently provided by Assurance Services International (ASI), however, ASC is in transition to move the accreditation to Accreditation Bodies (AB) signatories to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) multilateral recognition arrangement (MLA) for product certification, while integrity services will remain with ASI.

Findings of ASI assessments and an overview of currently accredited CABs are available on the ASI website.33http://www.asi-assurance.org/s/

Audit Process

An ASC audit follows strict process requirements.  These requirements are detailed in the CAR.  Only ASC accredited CABs are allowed to audit and certify a UoC against ASC standards.

As scheme owner, ASC is not involved in the audit or certification decision of a UoC.

As part of the ASC commitment to transparency, all findings, audit reports and certificates are publicly available on the ASC website. These include audit findings that result in a negative certification decision.

Certificate

All ASC certificates are available on the ASC website for verification. Issued certificates are the property of the CAB.

Each certificate specifies the scope (i.e. ASC Farm Standard) and the sub-scope of the certified UoC (i.e. animal group and species name). Several examples are listed below:

  • ASC Farm Standard, Sub-scope: Finfish, Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
  • ASC Farm Standard, Sub-scope: Crustaceans, White leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
  • ASC Farm Standard, Sub-scope: Molluscs, Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

ASC Chain of Custody Certification

Once the ASC certified product leaves the ownership of the farm UoC, each subsequent company in the supply chain that owns ASC certified product must hold valid ASC Chain of Custody certification. This assures consumers and seafood buyers that ASC labelled products come from certified farms. ASC uses the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard, plus the ASC-owned CoC Module, to verify the origin of seafood sold as ASC certified. This process benefits companies that handle both ASC and MSC certified seafood by allowing them to do a combined audit. CoC certification covers activities beyond farm production, such as processing and packing. For more information see Chain of Custody Standard – ASC International or contact info@asc-aqua.org.

ASC Label and Claims

ASC-certified entities shall only use the ASC label, claim, and trademarks if authorised through a signed ASC Licensing Agreement.

Unauthorised label display or use of trademarks is prohibited and will be treated as a trademark infringement. For more information see ASC’s Label User Guide or contact licensing@asc-aqua.org.

ASC Assurance Net

The independent actors and processes described above are interlinked to provide the most robust and reliable assurance system, supported by ASC’s transparent processes and stakeholder participation. The CABs conduct strict audits to verify conformity against the ASC standards. ASI assesses the CABs to confirm that certification was granted following the requirements and with integrity. Both CABs and ASI may conduct these activities unannounced, and all the evaluation results are publicly available for interested stakeholders who may provide additional information to the certification process.

ASC has a dedicated and experienced assurance team that develops the certification requirements. Working closely with assurance partners, ASC monitors conformance across the supply chain.

ASC adds another layer of assurance by designing tailored tools that support additional verification of conformity. These tools evaluate the conformance of ASC products in different stages: Antibiotic residues and provenance (TestASC), verification of production cycles and remote sensing (MapASC), and complete tracking of products in the supply chain (TraceASC).

Group Certification

ASC Group certification provides a more efficient option to certify multiple sites where there is a centralised internal management system in place which assures conformity across all sites. The management system requirements are described in the ASC Group Requirements for Farms document.

One of the key benefits of this type of certification is that a sample of sites is selected for the CAB audits, thereby reducing the audit time compared to auditing and certifying each site individually. The CABs also assess the robustness of the management system and can increase or decrease the sample size based on risk.

Document structure and Vocabulary

Document structure

The ASC Farm Standard is structured as follows:

  • Four Principles – each Principle defines a high-level outcome which, collectively, contributes to the ASC Vision.
  • A Principle consists of multiple Criteria -each Criterion addresses animpact that is relevant to the aquaculture industry.
  • A Criterion consists of a Rationale, Intent and multiple Indicators.
    • The Rationale describes why the issue is of relevance to the aquaculture industry;
    • The Intent describes the long-term outcome of the Criteria;
    • Each Indicator describes a requirement. Audits are conducted to determine conformity to indicators, including any referenced appendices, footnotes or terms.

The ASC Farm Standard also contains:

  • Appendices – appendices are included to provide detail on acronyms, performance metrics, methodologies, formulas or requirements.
  • Footnotes – footnotes are used to detail exemptions to an indicator and for references. 
  • Terms – defined terms are highlighted in bold when used for the first time. Definitions are listed in the ASC Vocabulary Portal.

Vocabulary use

Intentional language is used in the Standard to ensure clarity in the following areas:

  • Modal verbs
    • ‘Shall’ denotes a requirement
    • ‘Should’ denotes a recommendation
    • ‘May’ denotes a permitted course of action
    • ‘Can’ denotes a possible course of action
  • Exceptions vs. Exemptions
    • ‘Exception’ an alternative requirement for a specific circumstance, referenced in the Indicator;
    • ‘Exemption’ an exclusion from an Indicator, referenced in a Footnote.
  • Appropriate vs. Adequate
    • ‘Appropriate’ refers to what is suitable or proper for a particular need;
    • ‘Adequate’ refers to what is sufficient to meet a need.
  • ‘And’ vs. ‘Or’ in lists
    • ‘And’ implies inclusiveness (all items are required);
    • ‘Or’ implies exclusiveness (only one of the items is required).

Scope of Standard

The ASC Farm Standard is a global sustainability Standard that defines requirements for seafood production in aquaculture grow-out farms (hereafter ‘grow-out site’).

The various elements that define the scope of the ASC Farm Standard are outlined below.

Focus areas

The following focus areas are within scope of the ASC Farm Standard:

  • Legal compliance
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Human rights
  • Animal health and welfare

Unit of Certification (UoC)

The UoC is an aquaculture grow-out site and consists of either a single site or multiple sites.

The following components of the Unit of Certification are within scope of the ASC Farm Standard:

  • Produced species (including co-habitant species) and culture units (e.g. ponds);
  • Operational processes and activities that occur within the site;
  • People that work within the site;
  • Facilities within the site (e.g. storage buildings, office, accommodation).

The following are illustrative, non-normative examples of different UoC configurations. Please note that relevant facilities may not always be physically inside the farm premises e.g. marine cage units, storage facilities for chemical/feed and employee housing could all be in separate physical locations, however they all form part of the UoC.

Slaughter

If the slaughter process occurs within the UoC then it is within scope of the ASC Farm Standard.

If the slaughter process occurs outside the UoC then it is not within scope of the ASC Farm Standard, but within scope of the ASC/MSC CoC Standard.

Supply Chain

Regarding coverage of the supply chain:

  • Pre-grow out sites (e.g. hatcheries) are not within scope of the ASC Farm Standard. For various species, the UoC is required to demonstrate compliance of its pre-grow out suppliers with the Supplier Requirements in Criterion 1.5.
  • For marine salmonid species, any cage culture site used prior to the final grow-out site is also considered a grow-out site and thus within scope of the ASC Farm Standard. These sites shall be certified in order to supply eligible fish to the final grow-out site.

Applicability across Culture systems, Water types and Species

The ASC Farm Standard applies to the main aquaculture Culture Systems and Water types for eligible species.

All indicators are applicable unless explicitly stated otherwise in the criterion, indicator, or appendices.

For the applicability of the Indicators, the following is considered:

  • Applicable Laws and Regulations
    • If a law or Regulation is stricter than the Indicator, the Law or Regulation takes precedence. If a Law or Regulation is less stringent than the Indicator, the Indicator prevails, unless its requirement is not allowed by Law or Regulation.
  • Applicable Culture System
    • Water-based (all have Diffuse Source Effluent Discharge):
      • Cage culture systems
      • Suspended culture systems
      • Other sea-based culture systems
    • Land-based (all have Point Source Effluent Discharge):
      • Flowthrough/Raceway culture systems
      • Pond culture systems
      • Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) culture systems
  • Additionally, the Standard differentiates between:
    • Fed species and non-fed species
  • Applicable Water Type
    • Freshwater
    • Brackish Water
    • Marine Water
  • Applicable Species
    • All species listed under ‘Eligible Species’ are eligible for certification. Applicability can be assigned at various levels:
      • Animal Group (e.g. Fish)
      • Species Group (e.g. Salmonids)
      • Genus (e.g. Salmo)
      • Species (e.g. S. salar)
  • Applicability defined otherwise
    • Certain Indicators apply only to specific circumstances, which are detailed in the indicator itself.

Eligible species

The species and genera listed below are eligible for certification. Whenever possible, the naming of species, genera, families and orders adhere to the the Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) list of species maintained by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Fish:

  • Flatfish
    • Flounders – all species in the genus Paralichthys, Pseudopleuronectes
    • Halibut – all species in the genus Hippoglossus
    • Turbot – all species in the genus Scophthalmus
  • Pangasius – all species in the family Pangasiidae
  • Pike perch – Sander lucioperca
  • Salmonids – freshwater
    • Salmon, trout and char – all species in the genera Salmo, Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus
    • Greyling – all species in the genus Thymallus
    • Whitefish – all species in the genus Coregonus
  • Salmonids – marine
    • Salmon, trout and char – all species in the genera Salmo, Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus
  • Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
    • Seabass – all species in the genus Dicentrarchus
    • Seabream – all species in the genera Sparus and Pagrus
    • Meagre – all species in the genus Argyrosomus
  • Seriola and Cobia
    • Seriola – all species in the genus Seriola
    • Cobia – Rachycentron canadum
  • Tilapia – all species in the genera Oreochromis, Coptodon and Tilapia
  • Tropical Marine Fish
    • Groupers – all species in the genera Epinephelus, Cromileptes, Plectropomus and Cephalopholis
    • Snappers – all species in the genera Lutjanus and Ocyurus
    • Pompano – all species in the genus Trachinotus
    • Barramundi – all species in the genus Lates
    • Croaker – all species in the genus Larimichthys

Molluscs:

  • Abalone – all species in the genus Haliotis
  • Bivalve – all (filter-feeding) species in the class Bivalva, except the (non-filter-feeding) families Nuculanidae, Nuculidae and Solemyidae

Crustaceans:

  • Shrimp – all species in the genus Penaeus
  • Freshwater prawn – all species in the genus Macrobrachium
  • Crayfish – all species in the genera Cherax, Procambarus, Astacus

Principle 1

The aquaculture industry ensures legal compliance and effective business management

Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Rationale

The aquaculture industry plays a vital role in global food production and economic growth, however its rapid expansion has raised concerns about the social and environmental impacts driven by irresponsible practices.

With rising consumer awareness and demand for responsibly produced food, businesses must be able to trace the origins of their seafood to verify that it is produced responsibly and ethically.

As the industry continues to develop, it is important to comply with law, uphold business ethics and ensure supply chain traceability and transparency as a framework to build a long-lasting industry. This benefits producers, the communities that depend on aquaculture and consumers.

This principle’s criteria address the shortfall that occurs in some regions between national legislation, enforcement and good practice, due to the rapid growth of seafood farming. This ensures that ASC certified farms are well-managed and legally compliant, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable seafood farming industry.

Criterion 1.1

Legal Compliance

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

A legal business complies with applicable laws, licensing, and permit requirements.

A wide variety of laws and regulations apply to aquaculture. Ensuring national laws are followed, and necessary permits and licences are acquired helps to promote a socially and environmentally responsible aquaculture industry. Compliance also benefits a business by enhancing customer trust, increasing revenue, strengthening reputation, and avoiding legal sanctions and fines.44Widjaja, G. (2024). Managing Legal and Corporate Compliance to Induce and Enhance Business. Law and Humanities Quarterly Reviews, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.31014/aior.1996.03.02.115

This criterion focuses on the legal compliance of ASC certified farms as the basis of a well-managed business.

Intent

The aquaculture industry complies with all applicable legal requirements.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

1.1.1

The UoC shall hold all applicable legal licences and permits.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.1.2

The UoC shall comply with all applicable legal requirements, including those relevant to the Criteria within the ASC Farm Standard.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 1.2

Management Systems

Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Link to Interpretation manual

Management Systems for ASC-Certified Farms

Rationale

A management system supports an organisation to manage the interrelated parts of the business to achieve its objectives. Management systems include policies, processes and procedures, and vary in complexity depending on the organisation’s context. They can support compliance with laws and regulations, detection and resolution of issues, and monitoring of essential operational activities.

This Criterion focuses on the development of a management system for the implementation and maintenance of ASC Requirements on ASC certified farms.

Intent

The aquaculture industry continuously manages and improves processes to deliver consistent performance against the ASC requirements.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

1.2.1

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a management system to support the implementation of the ASC Requirements that is appropriate to the size and complexity of the UoC.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.2.2

The UoC shall appoint at least one member of management responsible for the implementation of the ASC Requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.2.3

The UoC shall ensure that relevant employees have the necessary skills and training to implement the ASC Requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.2.4

The UoC shall annually review the management system and revise it where necessary to ensure its continued suitability, adequacy and effectiveness in implementing the ASC Requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 1.3

Business Ethics

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Business ethics are defined as the application of ethical values to business behaviour by the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) and range from the behaviour of an individual, to sales and accounting practices and how companies treat their employees. The benefits of running a business ethically include stronger teams, increased employee loyalty, a strengthened reputation and competitive advantage55Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., Ferrell, L. (2011). Business Ethics – Ethical Decisions Making and Cases (8th Edition). Mason, OH, USA: South-Western Cengage Learning.. However, businesses often operate in environments that can make operating ethically a challenge, and many businesses can face problems with fraud.

This Criterion focuses on ASC farms operating in a legally-compliant and ethical manner to reduce the risk of corruption and fraud.

Intent

The aquaculture industry upholds ethical business practices.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

1.3.1

The UoC shall discourage all forms of corruption and shall encourage ethical behaviour and integrity in their business operations.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.3.2

The UoC shall ensure that information provided as evidence of conformance to the ASC Requirements is not falsified or misrepresented.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 1.4

Traceability and Disclosure

Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Traceability plays a crucial role in seafood sustainability certification as it ensures that claims are properly transferred through the supply chain to the end consumer.

As one of the most internationally traded commodities – often through complex supply chains – seafood is highly vulnerable to food fraud, especially product mislabelling, species substitution and provenance misrepresentation66Lawrence, S. J., Elliott, C., Huisman, W., Dean, M., & van Ruth, S. (2022). The 11 sins of seafood: Assessing a decade of food fraud reports in the global supply chain. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21, 3746–3769. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12998.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified products being correctly differentiated from non-ASC certified products, and traceability systems being in place on ASC certified farms to maintain the integrity of products traded and sold under the ASC label.

Intent

The aquaculture industry supplies food that is traceable through the supply chain.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

1.4.1

The UoC shall identify, evaluate and mitigate risks of mixing and substituting ASC certified products with non-certified products at all sites.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.4.2

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a traceability system, covering all sites, to ensure that the following conditions are met:

  1. only larvae/juveniles that conform with the requirements in Criterion 1.5 are used to produce certified product; and
  2. all stocked animals are traceable back to the supplier; and
  3. all batches of ASC certified and non-certified product are identifiable and segregated at all sites and at all times; and
  4. all batches of ASC certified product are traceable at all times to:
    • the site(s) used; and
    • the production unit(s) used; and
  5. corrective actions are taken if non-conforming product is identified, sold or dispatched; and
  6. accompanying documentation shall identify product sold or dispatched as ASC certified or non-certified.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.4.3

Indicator applicability: every UoC using compound feed

The UoC shall demonstrate that feed products, subject to conformance with Indicator 2.12.1, are accompanied by the following information:

  1. the originating feed mill holds valid certification against the ASC Feed Standard with the appropriate scope of certification in relation to the ASC Production Model (i.e. Mass Balance Production Model or Segregation Production Model product); and
  2. feed is traceable as ASC-conforming throughout all steps between the feed mill and site; and
  3. documentation accompanying the feed identifies the feed as ASC-conforming; and
  4. documentation accompanying the feed identifies the production model applied (i.e. Mass Balance Production Model or Segregation Production Model); and
  5. for ASC-conforming Segregation Production Model feed, the product is identifiable by a distinct feed name in formal documentation accompanying the product and is listed on the schedule to the feed mill certificate.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.4.4

Indicator applicability: every UoC using compound feed

The UoC shall disclose to all buyers of their ASC certified product when a product’s feed contains >0.9%77European Council. (2003). Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC. European Parliament, Council of the European Union. Genetically Modified Organisms(GMO) or macro ingredients produced from GMO.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.4.5

The UoC shall not sell or dispatch the following as ASC certified:

  1. crustaceans treated with antibiotics at the UoC; or
  2. any product treated with antimicrobials listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Medicine by the World Health Organisation (WHO), at any stage in the lifecycle of the product.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.4.6

The UoC shall disclose to buyers of their ASC certified product, upon request, a list of all veterinary therapeutants applied to the product.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.4.7

The UoC shall report to ASC the production volumes and sales/dispatch volumes of ASC certified and non-certified products originating from each site, and submit specified traceability data (when requested), according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 1.5

Supply Chain

Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

The impacts of aquaculture extend beyond the final grow-out site, as the supply chain for many species involves multiple production stages across different sites. A major challenge in addressing these impacts is the diversity of practices found both between and within species production and the sharing of information between various sites. Addressing these impacts and enabling the supply chain to carry batch-specific information is essential to ensuring that the industry operates responsibly as a whole.

This Criterion requires ASC certified sites to source from suppliers that address key impacts at the relevant production stages. Information related to the status of ASC certified product is also required to be accurately passed along the supply chain.

Intent

The aquaculture industry sources from responsibly operated suppliers.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

1.5.1

The UoC shall map their supply chain using the ASC Supply Chain Mapping Template, provided on the ASC website.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.5.2

The UoC shall only stock ASC certifiable product if accompanied by a completed ASC Stock Status Record88The ASC Stock Status Record holds batch-specific information on products moving through the supply chain. This includes information on origin of broodstock, treatments, feed, and ASC certification status., provided on the ASC website.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

1.5.3

Indicator applicability: freshwater trout, flatfish, seabass, seabream, meagre and salmon

The UoC shall99An exemption applies to sites in the supply chain that hold valid ASC certification. These sites do not need to comply with Indicator 1.5.3. only stock ASC certifiable product if it can be demonstrated that all sites1010An exemption applies to broodstock sites in the supply chain conform with the requirements in Appendix 14.

An exception applies for salmon sites that are supplied with product from other cage site(s), in which case all cage site(s) in the supply chain shall be ASC certified.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Salmonids – freshwater
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Principle 2

The aquaculture industry demonstrates environmental stewardship

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals

Rationale

The aquaculture industry is ideally positioned to help provide the food needed to support a growing global population due to its smaller environmental footprint than many land-based animal sources. Maintaining this advantage requires ongoing stewardship of the environmental impacts. Through the initiatives outlined in this principle, ASC supports the industry to develop in an environmentally responsible manner to meet this challenge.

Aquaculture relies on ecosystems to provide resources, including water, as well as the absorption of its outputs, including waste from farm processes, to operate1111Gephart, J. A., Henriksson, P. J., Parker, R. W., Shepon, A., Gorospe, K. D., Bergman, K., … & Troell, M. (2021). Environmental performance of blue foods. Nature, 597(7876), 360-365.. Without proper management, the environment’s capacity to keep providing these resources and assuming these outputs can be exceeded, leading to concerns about biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change, and inefficient resource use.

This principle’s criteria focus on effective resource management, efficient feed use, safe waste disposal – including handling hazardous materials and plastics – and re-use of biosolids. Through these means, ASC certified farms manage their inputs from, and outputs into, the ecosystem responsibly and contribute to a circular economy (recycling and reusing existing materials to extend their life cycle1212Chary, K., van Riel, A. J., Muscat, A., Wilfart, A., Harchaoui, S., Verdegem, M., … & Wiegertjes, G. F. (2024). Transforming sustainable aquaculture by applying circularity principles. Reviews in Aquaculture, 16(2), 656-673).

Aquaculture farms affect nearby habitats and species through both siting and operational activities. Choosing farm sites carefully is crucial to protect ecologically sensitive areas and managing farm practices is equally important. This includes managing benthic impacts, controlling nutrient release into open waters, reducing wildlife conflict, and preventing farmed animals from escaping and affecting native biodiversity. Addressing these challenges is key to tackling global biodiversity loss1313Aguilar-Manjarrez, J., Soto, D., & Brummett, R. (2017) Aquaculture zoning, site selection and area management under the ecosystem approach to aquaculture. A handbook. Rome, Italy: FAO..

Criterion 2.1

Environmental Risk Assessment

Clean Water and Sanitation
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

All human activities can have negative impacts on the surrounding environment. Understanding the likelihood of negative impacts occurring from an activity, and the magnitude of that impact, requires a risk-based approach. An Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) is a useful tool to help identify the risks of environmental risks associated with an activity along with actions to help mitigate those risks.

Aquaculture operations take place in a wide variety of environments and contexts. Defining a farm’s particular risks and environmental impacts requires a site-specific evaluation that considers the context-relevant risks for that farm.1414Andersen, L. B., Grefsrud, E. S., Svåsand, T., & Sandlund, N. (2022). Risk understanding and risk acknowledgement: a new approach to environmental risk assessment in marine aquaculture. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 79(4), 987-996. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac028

This Criterion requires that ASC certified farms identify their potential environmental impacts by conducting an ERA and mitigating identified risks accordingly.

Intent

The aquaculture industry performs comprehensive environmental impact assessments to address site-specific risks.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.1.1

The UoC shall conduct an Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) per site, following the method outlined in Appendix 3 (3.3).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.1.2

The UoC shall ensure that the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1) is conducted by a person with the necessary competencies, experience and training that is appropriate to the size and complexity of the site.

For larger, more complex sites, an independent person shall conduct the ERA. This person shall:

  1. have an academic background in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or an equivalent field of study; and
  2. have a minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting ERA, including survey design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.

In cases where legal requirements are defined, the UoC shall ensure that the person conducting the ERA complies with these requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.2

Ecologically Important Habitats

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Clean Water and Sanitation
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Conversion and fragmentation of habitats is a leading driver of biodiversity loss.1515Crooks, K. R., Burdett, C. L., Theobald, D. M., King, S. R., Di Marco, M., Rondinini, C., & Quantification of habitat fragmentation reveals extinction risk in terrestrial mammals. Proceedings of the national Academy of Sciences, 114(29), 7635-7640. Boitani, L. (2017). Wetlands are particularly important in promoting biodiversity, as they provide breeding and nursery grounds for native species, supporting ecological services like water purification, and increasing environmental resilience to threats like storms, floods and climate change.1616Liquete, C., Piroddi, C., Drakou, E. G., Gurney, L., Katsanevakis, S., Charef, A., & Egoh, B. (2013). Current status and future prospects for the assessment of marine and coastal ecosystem services: A systematic review. PloS one, 8(7), e67737.

Aquaculture production can drive conversion and fragmentation of ecologically important habitats if improperly sited. Farms sited in protected or sensitive habitats can affect local biodiversity and the ecological services these environments provide.Loss of wetlands has been historically linked to expansion of aquaculture in tropical regions. Sited and operated with consideration paid to important habitats, aquaculture can benefit from the many services that suitable sites provide while minimising these negative impacts.1717Aguilar-Manjarrez, J., Soto, D., & Brummett, R. (2017). Aquaculture zoning, site selection and area management under the ecosystem approach to aquaculture. A handbook. Rome, Italy: FAO.

This Criterion focuses on requirements for where ASC certified farms can be situated to reduce impacts on local biodiversity, restricts conversion of ecologically important habitats and requires rehabilitation of previously converted wetlands.

Intent

The aquaculture industry preserves habitat that is important for biodiversity.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.2.1

The UoC shall1818An exemption applies for the following species groups: tilapia, pangasius, bivalve and abalone. ensure that the site is not located in Protected Areas (PA). An exception applies where conditional siting is allowed according to Appendix 4.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.2

The UoC shall ensure that the site has a low risk of negative impact on critical habitats, as determined through the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.3

The UoC shall preserve any critical habitat identified within the site.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.4

The UoC shall ensure that the site has a low risk of negative impact on sensitive habitats, as determined through the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.5

Indicator applicability: land-based systems

The UoC shall maintain any natural wildlife corridors within the site, as determined through the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.6

Indicator applicability: land-based systems

The UoC shall maintain a riparian zone between the site and any freshwater body, with a minimum width of either 15m or as determined through the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1), whichever is stricter.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.7

Indicator applicability: land-based systems

The UoC shall maintain a coastal barrier between the site and any marine or brackish waterbody, with a minimum width of either 100m or as determined through the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1), whichever is stricter.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.8

Indicator applicability: land-based and suspended systems

The UoC shall have successfully restored a minimum of 50% of natural wetland converted before May 1999.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.9

Indicator applicability: land-based and suspended systems

The UoC shall not convert natural wetland after May 1999. An exception applies where conversion is needed for establishing and maintaining pumping stations, water pipes or canals, in which case the UoC shall successfully restore 100% of the converted area.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.10

Indicator applicability: land-based and suspended systems

The UoC shall report to ASC the area of the restored wetland, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.2.11

Indicator applicability: bivalve culture

The UoC shall1919An exemption to Indicator 2.2.11 applies for situations where the total surface area of aquaculture within a waterbody is less than 10% of the total surface area of the waterbody. ensure that total bivalve culture in a waterbody does not result in phytoplankton depletion either by:

  1. demonstrating that the waterbody has a ratio of Clearance Time (CT) over Retention Time (RT) > 1, following the method outlined in Appendix 5. Where CT over RT is <1, demonstrate that the waterbody has a ratio of CT over Primary Production Time (PPT) > 3, following the method outlined in Appendix 5; or
  2. conducting a modelling study that demonstrates that the carrying capacity of the waterbody is not exceeded.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Non-fed
Bivalves
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.3

Wildlife Interactions

Clean Water and Sanitation
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Over 45,000 wildlife species are at risk of extinction, many of them occurring in environments suitable for aquaculture.2020IUCN. (2024). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2024-1. https://www.iucnredlist.org Human-wildlife interactions can occur in numerous ways, from direct Human-Wildlife Conflict with animals to disruption of migration routes, disturbance to diurnal cycles or alteration of local food availability.

Aquaculture operations may result in human-wildlife interactions and conflict in many ways. Farms may rely on wildlife directly for collection of larvae, juveniles, or breeding stock. Their vessels, infrastructure, or equipment may disturb or interact with wildlife. They may also use deterrent devices to discourage predators or pests from approaching pens or cages. Risk to wildlife from these interactions should be assessed and mitigated and, when injuries or mortalities do occur, corrective measures need to be put into place to avoid similar future occurrences.

This Criterion focuses on the minimisation of ASC certified farms’ interaction with wildlife to reduce injury and mortalities, especially interactions involving threatened or endangered species.

Intent

The aquaculture industry prioritises the protection of threatened species by minimising negative interactions with wildlife.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.3.1

The UoC shall ensure the site has a low risk of Human-Wildlife Conflict within the site and in the area surrounding the site, as determined through the ERA (see Indicator 2.1.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.2

The UoC shall not cause the mortality of any Threatened Species.

An exception applies for occasional incidents that do not affect the population status, and where a written statement from a registered veterinarian or the responsible authorities is available to confirm that:

  1. injured animals are unlikely to recover; or
  2. immediate human safety is threatened; or
  3. legal requirements mandate emergency euthanasia.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.3

The UoC shall not injure or cause mortality of mammals, elasmobranchs or reptiles (excluding vermin).

An exception applies for occasional incidents where:

  1. injured animals are unlikely to recover; or
  2. immediate human safety is threatened; or
  3. legal requirements mandate emergency euthanasia.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.4

The UoC shall investigate all wildlife mortality incidents to determine the root cause and shall implement appropriate corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.5

The UoC shall only use aquatic acoustic deterrence where scientific evidence suggests that it does not result in significant stress or injury to, or mortality of, the affected species or its population(s).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.6

Indicator applicability: all fish species

The UoC shall only stock fish that is hatchery-raised.

An exception applies where the UoC can demonstrate the following for Seriola/Cobia, in which case wild caught fish are permitted to be stocked:

  1. the species is not listed as a Threatened Species; and
  2. the originating fishery is certified to an ASC-recognised fisheries certification scheme;2121Refer to the ASC website for details of ASC-recognised fisheries certification schemes and
  3. traceability back to the originating fishery is provided.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.7

The UoC shall not use Threatened Species for wild broodstock.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.8

Indicator applicability: all crustacean species

The UoC shall only stock larvae that is hatchery-raised.

An exception applies where the UoC can demonstrate the following for extensive crustacean production, in which case wild larvae are permitted to be stocked:

  1. the larvae are collected passively; and
  2. the production system is a non-fed, low-intensive pond production system; and
  3. inflow of larvae occurs through natural tidal flow into the ponds.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.9

Indicator applicability: hatchery-raised bivalve seed

The UoC shall only source from hatcheries that have procedures to address genetic concerns specific to the species and geographical region where the seed will be stocked.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Non-fed
Bivalves
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.10

Indicator applicability: all bivalve species

The UoC shall2222An exemption applies to wild caught larvae. only use wild caught seed if:

  1. the species is not listed as a Threatened Species; and
  2. the seed is harvested from a regulated source.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Non-fed
Bivalves
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.11

Indicator applicability: all abalone farming in regions where the farmed species is Threatened

The UoC shall only use seed originating from native wild broodstock (not selectively bred animals).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.12

The UoC shall publicly disclose all wildlife mortalities per site within 30 days of each incident.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.3.13

The UoC shall report to ASC on wildlife mortalities, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.4

Escapes and Native Biodiversity

Zero Hunger
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

The introduction of non-native (or alien) species, often driven by human activities, poses significant concerns for natural ecosystems. Their impacts can vary widely, from negligible effects to severe ecological disruptions. These consequences often emerge after extended periods and can vary significantly based on the biological traits of the species and the characteristics of the receiving ecosystem.2323Blackburn , T. M., Essl, F., Evans, T., Hulme, P. E., Jeschke, J. M., Kühn, I., … & Bacher, S. (2014). A unified classification of alien species based on the magnitude of their environmental impacts. PLoS biology, 12(5), e1001850. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001850

The global aquaculture industry is a key contributor to the spread of alien species. Many of these species have escaped into the wild, establishing populations that can cause ecological harm. This underscores the need for effective management strategies and scientifically sound evaluation tools.

To address these challenges, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) developed the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa2424International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2020). IUCN EICAT Categories and Criteria. The Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2020.05.en (EICAT). EICAT assesses potential impact mechanisms and categorises impacts into specific levels. This framework helps prioritise management efforts by identifying harmful species, ensuring resources are allocated effectively, and addressing knowledge gaps for species with insufficient data.

ASC certified farms are required to implement robust escape management practices and mitigation measures in line with the EICAT classification to minimise the risks posed by alien species and their impacts.

Intent

– The aquaculture industry cultivates species in a manner that poses minimal risk to native biodiversity.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.4.1

The UoC shall not stock transgenic animals.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.2

The UoC shall implement escape prevention measures that include the installation, inspection and maintenance of containment structures suitable for the species, life stages and environmental conditions under which the site is operating.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.3

The UoC shall carry out a site-specific handling and containment risk assessment, approved by a member of management, following the method outlined in Appendix 3.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.4

The UoC shall ensure that any person involved in handling activities is trained on handling procedures to minimise escapes.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.5

The UoC shall log all handling and containment incidents and near misses.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.6

Indicator applicability: bivalve culture

The UoC shall make efforts to address genetic concerns specific to the species and geographic region where hatchery-raised seed will be out-planted.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Non-fed
Bivalves
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.7

The UoC shall report to ASC the escape data, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.8

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MO

The UoC shall calculate the number of known escapes per production cycle or year, whichever is stricter, following the method outlined in Appendix 6 (6.1).

The UoC shall not exceed a maximum number of known escapes per production cycle or year, whichever is stricter, of the following:

  1. marine salmonids: 300 individuals
  2. other fish species: 6%

If the maximum number of known escapes is exceeded more than once in a six-year period, the UoC shall, by the next working day:

  3. submit a formal notification to the CAB for cancellation of certification; and
  4. notify ASC of the exceedance of known escapes, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.9

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MO

The UoC shall not exceed one Mass Escape Event in a six-year period, defined as:

  1. marine salmonids: >5000 individuals
  2. other fish species: >6%

If a mass escape event occurs more than once in a six-year period, the UoC shall, by the next working day:

  3. submit a formal notification to the CAB for cancellation of certification; and
  4. notify ASC of the mass escape event, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.10

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MO

The UoC shall implement appropriate mitigation measures according to the contextualisation of the EICAT category, following the method outlined in Appendix 6 (6.2).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.11

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MR/MV

The UoC shall calculate the number of known escapes per production cycle or year, whichever is stricter, following the method outlined in Appendix 6 (6.1).

The UoC shall not exceed a maximum number of known escapes per production cycle or year, whichever is stricter, of the following:

  1. marine salmonids: 300 individuals
  2. other fish species: 6%

If the maximum number of known escapes is exceeded, the UoC shall, by the next working day:

  3. submit a formal notification to the CAB for cancellation of certification; and
  4. notify ASC of the exceedance of known escapes, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.12

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MR/MV

The UoC shall not have any mass escape events. If a mass escape event occurs, the UoC shall, by the next working day:

  1. submit a formal notification to the CAB for cancellation of certification; and
  2. notify ASC of the mass escape event, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.13

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MR/MV

The UoC shall implement appropriate mitigation measures according to the contextualisation of the EICAT category, following the method outlined in Appendix 6 (6.2).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.14

Indicator applicability: fish species with an EICAT Category MO or MR/MV

The UoC shall count fish with a minimum of 98% accuracy.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.15

Indicator applicability: tilapia with an EICAT Category MO or MR/MV

The UoC shall use all-male stock.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Tilapia
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.16

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.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.17

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

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.18

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

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.19

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:

  1. use credible methodologies and analysis and undergo peer review; and
  2. include known historical farmed and native salmonid genetic profiles; and
  3. determine if changes in the genetic composition of the contemporary native salmonid population(s) have occurred; and
  4. 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
  5. be updated every three years.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.20

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

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.4.21

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

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.5

Benthic Impact

Clean Water and Sanitation
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Link to Interpretation manual

Benthic impact – Cages and Suspended Systems

Rationale

The benthic zone (‘bottom’) of a waterbody often supports a rich biodiversity and provides critical ecological functions such as assimilation of organic material (e.g. faeces, uneaten feed), provision of food for native species and protection of coastal sediment from erosion. Human activities interacting with the benthic zone can negatively impact the functioning of these ecosystems.

Aquaculture can interact with the benthic zone through deposition of organic material and release of heavy metals.2525González-Gaya, B., García-Bueno, N., Buelow, E., Marin, A., & Rico, A. (2022). Effects of aquaculture waste feeds and antibiotics on marine benthic ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea. Science of the Total Environment, 806, 151190. When this deposition exceeds the environment’s ability to handle it, harmful changes to the ecosystem can occur.2626Hargrave, B. T., Phillips, G. A., Doucette, L. I., White, M. J., Milligan, T. G., Wildish, D. J., & Cranston, R. E. (1997). Assessing benthic impacts of organic enrichment from marine aquaculture. In The Interactions Between Sediments and Water: Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium, Baveno, Italy 22–25 September 1996 (pp. 641-650). Springer Netherlands. The severity of these impacts depends on factors such as the amount of waste released, water body characteristics and the ability of the benthic microbial community to break down waste.2727Kalantzi, I., & Karakassis, I. (2006). Benthic impacts of fish farming: meta-analysis of community and geochemical data. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 52(5), 484-493.

This Criterion focuses on effective management by ASC certified farms to monitor the local benthic zone and limit these impacts by ensuring waste deposition is lower than the natural decomposition rate.

Intent

The aquaculture industry maintains healthy benthic ecosystems.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.5.1

Indicator applicability: cage culture and suspended marine mollusc systems

The UoC shall2828An exemption applies to sites situated in areas classified as having a “hard bottom”. Evidence is required to support the classification “hard bottom”. determine benthic status, following the method outlined in Appendix 7 (7.2.1, 7.3.1, 7.4.1, 7.7).

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.5.2

Indicator applicability: cage culture and suspended marine mollusc systems

The UoC shall demonstrate an ’Acceptable‘ benthic status2929An exemption applies to cage sites situated in lakes and reservoirs, where determination of benthic status is required (Indicator 2.5.1) but demonstration that the status is ‘Acceptable’ is not required for the first three years of the ASC Farm Standard being issued., following the method outlined in Appendix 7 (7.2.2, 7.3.2, 7.4.2).

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.5.3

Indicator applicability: cage culture and suspended marine mollusc systems

The UoC shall ensure that the person conducting sediment sampling and analysis (see Indicator 2.5.1) is independent and has the necessary competencies, experience and training. In cases where regulatory requirements are defined, the UoC shall ensure that the person conducting the sampling and analysis complies with these requirements.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.5.4

Indicator applicability: freshwater systems discharging into rivers

The UoC shall demonstrate that the benthic status does not deteriorate downstream from the site’s effluent point, following the method outlined in Appendix 7 (7.5).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.5.5

Indicator applicability: freshwater systems discharging into rivers

The UoC shall ensure that:

  1. the person conducting sediment sampling (see Indicator 2.5.3) has the necessary competencies, experience and training; and
  2. the laboratory conducting the analysis of the samples is accredited and has approved the sampling methodology.

In cases where regulatory requirements are defined, the UoC shall ensure that the person conducting the sampling and/or the laboratory conducting the analysis complies with these requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.5.6

Indicator applicability: cage culture, suspended marine mollusc systems

The UoC shall report to ASC the benthic status, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.6

Water Quality

Clean Water and Sanitation
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Partnerships for the Goals
Link to Interpretation manual

Waterbody Classification and Management

Rationale

Eutrophication is caused by excessive nutrient inputs (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) to water bodies and is a major environmental issue. It disrupts freshwater and marine ecosystems, contributes to algal blooms and oxygen depletion, and affects the quality of water available to local communities and other resource users.3030An exemption to this Criterion applies to sites that never release effluents.

Nutrient releases from aquaculture in the form of faeces and uneaten feed can lead to eutrophication and negatively impact oxygen availability and other water quality parameters.3131Akinnawo, S. O. (2023). Eutrophication: Causes, consequences, physical, chemical and biological techniques for mitigation strategies. Environmental Challenges, 12, 100733. The severity of these effects depends on factors like water depth and current velocity, location and sensitivity of the waterbody to nutrient loading.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified farms minimising their contribution to eutrophication by monitoring water quality, managing nutrient releases, and engaging in collaborative information sharing in at-risk waterbodies.

Intent

The aquaculture industry minimises its contribution to eutrophication and the trophic status shift of waterbodies.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.6.1

The UoC shall adhere to species-specific limits on Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) release, according to Appendix 2 (2.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Pangasius
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.2

The UoC shall annually report to ASC TN and TP release (Indicator 2.6.1), according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Pangasius
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.3

Indicator applicability: 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).

Applicable to

Cages
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.4

Indicator applicability: cages

The UoC shall ensure that cages are sited under at least one of the following conditions:

  1. in water that is at least twice the cage depth; or
  2. ≥10m above the bottom of the waterbody; or
  3. during periods at >75% peak biomass, the velocity of the current below the cages is >0.1 m/s, measured following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.4)3232Chislock, M. F., Doster, E., Zitomer, R. A., & Wilson, A. E. (2013). Eutrophication: causes, consequences, and controls in aquatic ecosystems. Nature Education Knowledge, 4(4), 10..

Applicable to

Cages
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.5

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).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.6

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.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.7

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.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.8

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.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.9

The UoC shall conduct a water quality survey and determine the water quality baseline, including the trophic status, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.8).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.10

The UoC shall, after the determination of the water quality baseline, conduct monitoring of the water quality parameters listed below, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.8)3333An exemption applies to sites situated in areas classified as having a ‘hard bottom’. Evidence is required to support the classification ‘hard bottom’.:

  1. Total Nitrogen (TN); and
  2. Total Phosphorous (TP); and
  3. Dissolved Oxygen (DO); and
  4. Secchi Disk (SD) depth; and
  5. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.11

The UoC shall, based on the monitoring of the water quality parameters, ensure that there is no decline in trophic status compared to the water quality baseline determined, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.8).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.12

The UoC shall, based on the monitoring of the water quality parameters, ensure that there is no upward rate of change >25% over the past 24 months, for any of the water quality parameters listed below, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.8):

  1. TN; and
  2. TP; and
  3. Chl-a; and
  4. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.13

The UoC shall implement a nutrient reduction plan when at least one of the following is identified:

  1. TN, TP or Chl-a has increased by ≥5 index points according to Table 2 in Appendix 8 (8.8), compared to the water quality baseline; or
  2. TN, TP or Chl-a has increased by ≥15% over the past 24 months; or
  3. the distance from the surface to the zone of oxygen depletion or to the zone of anoxia has decreased by ≥25% over the past 24 months; or
  4. BOD has increased by ≥15% over the past 24 months; or
  5. ≥1 adverse turnover event (ATE) or ≥1 harmful algal bloom (HAB) within the past 10 years.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.14

The UoC shall report annually to ASC the WUM hydraulic characteristics, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.15

The UoC shall report annually to ASC the water quality monitoring results and the BOD value, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.16

The UoC shall use a treatment system prior to the discharge of effluent water that ensures:

  1. ≥65% of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are captured; and
  2. concentration of settleable solids in effluent water is <3.3ml/L.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.17

Indicator applicability: waterbody Type B

The UoC shall conduct monitoring of TN, TP and TSS upstream from the inflow point and downstream from the outflow point, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.9), if one of the following conditions applies:

  1. the site effluent flow contribution to the receiving water flow is >10%, as calculated following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.10); or
  2. the site effluent enters a river or channel <1km upstream of a Type A waterbody.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.18

Indicator applicability: waterbody Type B

The UoC shall, if Indicator 2.6.17 applies, ensure there is <25% increase in TN, TP and TSS concentrations between the measured upstream concentration and the calculated downstream concentration.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.19

The UoC shall conduct monitoring of DO concentration and DO saturation, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.11).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.20

The UoC shall demonstrate that the weekly average of daily DO saturation is ≥65% in freshwater and ≥70% in seawater.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.21

The UoC shall demonstrate that ≤5% of the weekly averages of daily DO concentrations are <2mg/L.3434An exemption applies if the mean of Secchi Disk (SD) depth calculated over any rolling two-year period remains ≥10m. An exception applies if the UoC cannot demonstrate this, in which case the UoC shall:

  1. demonstrate ≥70% saturation by conducting continuous monitoring using an electronic probe and recorder with a 15-minute sampling frequency for at least one week; or
  2. ensure percentage saturation results are consistent with results from an ‘upstream, near-field’ non-impacted reference location, at least 500m upstream of the site.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.6.22

Indicator applicability: point-source systems in waterbody Types A and B

The UoC shall conduct DO monitoring downstream from the outflow point and shall demonstrate that daily diurnal DO (DDDO) fluctuation is ≤65% saturation, following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.11).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.7

Salinisation

Good Health and Well-being
Clean Water and Sanitation
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Salinisation occurs when salt concentration rises in soil or freshwater, either naturally or due to human activities. It affects agricultural land, contributing to crop failures and reduces yields. It also affects local ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. With a growing global population, addressing salinisation is crucial for food security.3535This is demonstrated annually using the DO measurements from Indicator 2.6.19.

Aquaculture activities can cause salinisation through seepage from saline waterbodies, saline water discharge into freshwater, the intrusion of saline water into groundwater or the dumping of biosolids.3636Kumar, P., & Sharma, P. K. (2020). Soil salinity and food security in India. Frontiers in sustainable food systems, 4, 533781. In coastal regions, the effects of the dumping of biosolids can be amplified by rising sea-levels and land subsidence as a result of climate change.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified farms implementing best practices, such as pond liners, and regulating discharge of saline water to minimise contribution towards salinisation of soil and freshwater.

Intent

The aquaculture industry does not contribute to salinisation of soil or freshwater.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.7.1

Indicator applicability: brackish or saltwater pond culture

The UoC shall3737Rajarshi, M., & Santra, S. C. (2011). Influence of Brackish water aquaculture on soil salinisation. Int J Res Chem Environ, 1, 60-65. use low permeable liners.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Bivalves
Shrimp
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.7.2

The UoC shall not discharge brackish or saltwater effluent over land.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.7.3

The UoC shall only discharge effluent water of a salinity level equal to or lower than the salinity level of the receiving waterbody or natural wetland. An exception applies to waterbodies and natural wetlands that have naturally periodic varying salinity levels, in which case the salinity level of the effluent water shall be within range of the natural variation.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.7.4

The UoC shall ensure that freshwater-wells used for culture water do not exceed a conductivity of 1,500 micro-mhos per centimeter (µmho/cm) or chloride concentration of 300mg/L.

An exception applies where well-monitoring is not permitted by applicable law, in which case regulatory records shall be obtained to provide evidence of conductivity levels.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.8

Biosolids

Clean Water and Sanitation
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Farming activities, such as aquaculture, accumulate biological waste. Discharge and unregulated disposal of biosolids into the environment can cause negative impacts, including eutrophication, salinisation, spreading of disease and residues, and sedimentation of aquatic habitats.

Biosolids or sludge from aquaculture are often nutrient-rich and can be re-used, for example for fertilisation, if treated appropriately.3838An exemption applies where ponds are located in naturally brackish or saline environments. This provides an opportunity for the industry to contribute to building more circular economies.

This Criterion focuses on the on-site containment of biosolids by ASC certified farms and potential for their re-use.

Intent

The aquaculture industry contributes to the circular economy by improving biosolids management.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.8.1

The UoC shall ensure that biosolids are appropriately contained.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.8.2

The UoC shall ensure that biosolids are not disposed or released into receiving waterbodies, natural wetlands or other ecosystems.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.8.3

The UoC shall only re-use uncontaminated biosolids.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.8.4

The UoC shall dispose of biosolids responsibly if they cannot be re-used.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.9

Freshwater Use

Clean Water and Sanitation
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Freshwater is a vitally important global resource. As a result of increasing demand, water scarcity is increasing, leading to regional ‘water stress’. The source of fresh water, the local conditions, and the intensity of extraction determine whether the utilisation of resources is detrimental to the natural environment and to humans. Global freshwater resource depletion is driven primarily by food production systems.3939Campanati, C., Willer, D., Schubert, J., Aldridge, D.C. (2021) Sustainable Intensification of Aquaculture through Nutrient Recycling and Circular Econoies: More Fish, Less Waste, Blue Growth. Review in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture (30) 143- 169. https://doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2021.1897520

Water use in aquaculture has direct impacts on the availability of water for other users and biological processes, making it important that aquaculture operations in sensitive regions are aware of their water use and act to improve the water efficiency of their farming processes.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified farms appropriately monitoring and using water responsibly.

Intent

The aquaculture industry conserves freshwater.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.9.1

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) in areas identified as having ’high‘ or ’extremely high‘ water stress according to the Aqueduct ‘Water Risk Atlas’4040Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2022). The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture 2021—Systems at a Breaking Point. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb9910en, with the intent to reduce water consumption.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.9.2

Indicator applicability: areas identified as having ’high‘ or ’extremely high‘ water stress

The UoC shall ensure the WEMP is annually reviewed and revised as necessary.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.9.3

Indicator applicability: areas identified as having ’high‘ or ’extremely high‘ water stress

The UoC shall monitor and record water levels in groundwater wells, and shall include the results in the WEMP.

An exception applies where monitoring is not permitted by applicable law, in which case regulatory records shall be obtained to provide evidence of recording of water levels.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.9.4

The UoC shall not use freshwater to reduce the salinity of culture water. An exception applies if discharged effluent water is desalinated.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.9.5

The UoC shall not use salt to increase the salinity of fresh culture water. An exception applies if discharged effluent water is desalinated.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.9.6

The UoC shall not abstract >50% volume of surface water. An exception applies if the UoC can demonstrate that the water abstraction is based on a minimum Vital Flow determined by a regulatory permit or scientific study.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.9.7

The UoC shall return >90% of the abstracted surface water volume to its source.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.10

Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally with wide-ranging environmental and socio-economic implications. Food systems account for roughly a third of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions4141https://www.wri.org/applications/aqueduct/water-riskatlas/#/?advanced=false&basemap=hydro&indicator=w_awr_def_tot_cat&lat=-14.445396942837744&lng=- 142.85354599620152&mapMode=view&month=1&opacity=0.5&ponderation=DEF&predefined=false&projection=absolute&sc enario=optimistic&scope=baseline&timeScale=annual&year=baseline&zoom=2View More making the transforming of food systems towards lower-emission production and taking action to reduce emissions from food supply chains, critically important in combatting climate change.

Aquaculture contributes to GHG emissions through the use of fossil fuel-derived energy, production of feed ingredients, deforestation for feed crops or farm siting, and numerous other activities. While aquaculture products typically have a lower GHG impact than land-based alternatives4242Crippa, M., Solazzo, E., Guizzardi, D., Monforti-Ferrario, F., Tubiello, F. N., & Leip, A. J. N. F. (2021). Food systems are responsible for a third of global anthropogenic GHG emissions. Nature Food, 2(3), 198-209. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016- 021-00225-9 the GHG performance of aquaculture production varies widely.

The Criterion focuses on the measurement, reporting, and management of GHG emissions by ASC certified farms to encourage climate-responsible aquaculture production.

Intent

The aquaculture industry measures and reduces greenhouse gas emissions so it remains a producer of climate-friendly food.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.10.1

The UoC shall calculate the energy use of production following the method outlined in Appendix 9 (9.3).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.10.2

The UoC shall calculate the feed and farm-related GHG emissions of production following the method outlined in Appendix 9 (9.4).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.10.3

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a GHG Management Plan, and shall ensure the plan is annually reviewed, and revised as necessary, following the targets set out in Appendix 9 (9.5).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.10.4

The UoC shall report annually to ASC the energy use and GHG emissions per site according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.10.5

Indicator applicability: Marine salmonids

The UoC shall provide GHG emissions data to any subsequent ASC certified site to which it supplies fish for grow-out.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.11

Material Use, Waste and Pollution Control

Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Clean Water and Sanitation
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Waste is generated through human activities such as agriculture, construction and demolition, industrial or commercial operations, the healthcare sector and domestic refuse. Improper material use and disposal can cause long-term pollution of terrestrial and aquatic environments, and have a direct effect on biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change.4343Gephart, J. A., Henriksson, P. J., Parker, R. W., Shepon, A., Gorospe, K. D., Bergman, K., … & Troell, M. (2021). Environmental performance of blue foods. Nature, 597(7876), 360-365. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03889-2 Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science, 360(6392), 987-992. https://doi.org/ 10.1126/science.aaq0216View More

From construction, to operation and decommissioning, aquaculture farms use materials and generate waste that can be hazardous. Copper-based antifoulants can leach into the water and cause harm to marine life in the water column and to the sediments below the farm. Therapeutants and chemicals used to treat farmed animals can also create unintended impacts on the animals themselves, the ecosystem and their handling staff.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified farms using, and re-using, resources responsibly, minimising generated waste, and preventing pollution and harm to communities and the environment.

Intent

The aquaculture industry prevents pollution by responsibly managing and disposing of waste and chemicals.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.11.1

The UoC shall assess and, where feasible, implement measures to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.2

Indicator applicability: point-source discharge

The UoC shall capture non-biological solid waste, including plastics, prior to effluent discharge.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.3

The UoC shall dispose of waste4444UN Environment Programme (2024). Beyond an age of waste – Turning rubbish into a resource. DOI: LXXTW:HSMSVK1091172000118224499 responsibly.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.4

The UoC shall not use pesticides that are banned or restricted by any of the following conventions or organisations:

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.5

The UoC shall only use net antifouling agents containing biocides that are approved by local regulations in either Australia, the European Union, Japan or the United States of America.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.6

The UoC shall hold water containing hormones for at least 48 hours or as per product specifications, whichever is greater, prior to discharge.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.7

The UoC shall ensure that all processing effluent is treated to minimise biosecurity and environmental risks.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.8

Indicator applicability: cage culture and suspended culture not using copper-treated gear or infrastructure

The UoC shall clean aquaculture gear or infrastructure in land-based facilities only if the facility treats effluents.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.9

Indicator applicability: cage culture and suspended culture using copper-treated gear or infrastructure

The UoC shall not treat or clean aquaculture gear or infrastructure in situ.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.10

Indicator applicability: cage culture and suspended culture using copper-treated gear or infrastructure

The UoC shall clean aquaculture gear or infrastructure in land-based facilities that treat effluents, including the capturing of copper.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.11

Indicator applicability: cage culture in marine/brackish waters using copper nets or copper-treated nets

The UoC shall demonstrate that copper levels in the sediment are ≤ 34 mg Cu/kg dry sediment weight, following the method outlined in Appendix 7 (7.6).

An exception applies where copper levels in sediment > 34 mg Cu/kg dry sediment weight, in which case the UoC shall demonstrate that the levels fall within the range of background concentrations measured following the method outlined in Appendix 7 (7.6).

Applicable to

Cages
Other – water based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.12

The UoC shall handle, use, store and dispose of chemicals according to the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provided by the supplier.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.13

The UoC shall not discharge effluent containing chemicals without adequate treatment.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.14

The UoC shall adequately contain hazardous materials to prevent spillage, contamination and pollution.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.15

The UoC shall implement spill prevention and emergency response procedures for hazardous materials.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.16

The UoC shall adequately store perishable materials to minimise spoilage, spillage, contamination or pest damage.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.17

The UoC shall adequately maintain machinery, aquaculture gear and infrastructure to minimise performance degradation and failure.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.18

Indicator applicability: water-based UoC

The UoC shall mark and record substantial aquaculture gear.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.19

Indicator applicability: water-based UoC

The UoC shall retrieve lost aquaculture gear.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.20

The UoC shall clean up waste from the receiving shoreline or land surrounding the site.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.21

Indicator applicability: water-based UoC

The UoC shall ensure that visible aquaculture infrastructure is uniform in positioning and orientation.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.22

Indicator applicability: water-based UoC

The UoC shall not use any floats made from polystyrene foam.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Flatfish
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.11.23

Indicator applicability: Bivalve producers

The UoC shall ensure that surface floats are uniform in colour.

Applicable to

Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Non-fed
Bivalves
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 2.12

Feed

Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Most farmed animals require feed. Although feed must meet the nutritional and welfare needs of the animal, it can have a negative environmental impact in how it is produced and utilised.

More than 70% of animal aquaculture is fed.4848https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240005662 Life cycle assessments indicate that feed can account for up to 90% of environmental impacts of fed aquaculture production.4949Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024—Blue transformation in action. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0683en Although most of those impacts typically occur during the production, harvesting, and processing of raw materials, environmental impacts can also occur during on-farm use through nutrient pollution and inefficient use of feed.

This Criterion addresses the environmental impacts resulting from feed usage on farm, as well as efficient use of feed raw materials. In addition, ASC certified farms need to source feed from mills certified to the ASC Feed Standard, through which responsible sourcing of ingredients is assured.

Intent

The aquaculture industry uses responsibly produced feed efficiently.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

2.12.1

Indicator applicability: every UoC using compound feed

The UoC shall only use ASC-conforming compound feed.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.12.2

Indicator applicability: every UoC using seaweed as a direct feed source

The UoC shall only use seaweed from regulated sources.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.12.3

The UoC shall not use feed containing protein derived from the same genus as the species being farmed. An exception applies where it can be demonstrated that same-species protein hydrolysates are verified to be <10,000 daltons, in which case use is allowed.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.12.4

The UoC shall not feed wet feedstuffs, moist pellets,or uncooked/ unprocessed marine raw materials.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.12.5

The UoC shall adhere to the species-specific limits on feed efficiency, according to Appendix 2 (2.2).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

2.12.6

The UoC shall annually report to ASC the feed properties, feed use and calculated feed efficiency values per site, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Abalone
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Principle 3

The aquaculture industry is committed to respecting and promoting human rights

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals

Rationale

More than 22 million people are employed in the aquaculture industry globally5050Little, D. C., Young, J. A., Zhang, W., Newton, R. W., Al Mamun, A., & Murray, F. J. (2018). Sustainable intensification of aquaculture value chains between Asia and Europe: A framework for understanding impacts and challenges. Aquaculture, 493, 338-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2017.12.033. The industry is a major contributor to people’s livelihoods and communities. As with any industry, if not carried out with proper care and attention, seafood farming can have negative impacts on people’s wellbeing such as through poor working conditions, social exclusion and land grabbing.

This principle addresses key topics related to the rights of employees, Indigenous people and communities, aiming to protect the human rights of those who work in aquaculture and live in surrounding communities, while acting as a catalyst for broader industry-wide change.

The criteria in this principle draw upon International Labour Organisation Conventions and Recommendations, and are aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)5151FAO SOFIA 2024, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work5252https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights and the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business and Human Rights5353https://www.ilo.org/ilo-declaration-fundamental-principles-and-rights-work. Alignment with these important international instruments places the respect of human rights and social responsibility at the forefront of ASC’s certification system.

Details of applicable ILO Conventions and other resources can be found in Appendix 1.

Criterion 3.1

Rights Awareness

Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Reduced Inequalities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a list of thirty rights and freedoms that belong to every human being.5454https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/guidingprinciplesbusinesshr_en.pdf A critical first step is employers, employees and neighbouring communities being aware of, and understanding, these rights in order to access them.

Aquaculture employees and people living in communities where aquaculture occurs need to be able to access all of these rights – from the right to a safe and healthy environment to freedom from forced and compulsory labour. Aquaculture producers share a responsibility to ensure that their employees and surrounding communities are aware of their rights so that the wellbeing of all these groups can be preserved and improved.

This Criterion focuses on the development and implementation of a human rights policy so that ASC certified farms set out their intentions, with employees and communities being aware of – and able to advocate for – their rights and improve their working conditions and wellbeing.

Intent

The aquaculture industry upholds and respects the human rights of all employees.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.1.1

The UoC shall have a written human rights policy, approved by senior management, with the intent of publicly demonstrating its commitment to at least the following:

  1. freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; and
  2. the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; and
  3. the effective abolition of child labour; and
  4. the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and
  5. a safe and healthy working environment; and
  6. being a good neighbour and respecting the rights of surrounding communities.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.1.2

The UoC shall have at least one named member of management who is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the human rights policy.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.1.3

The UoC shall facilitate the establishment of employee representation to support the implementation and maintenance of the human rights policy.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.1.4

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are trained on the human rights policy.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.1.5

The UoC shall publicly disclose the human rights policy and actively communicate it to suppliers, buyers and other relevant stakeholders.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.2

Forced Labour

Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

According to recent estimates, 28 million people are victims of human trafficking, debt bondage, and more subtle forms of forced labour that force employees to remain in their jobs against their will through other means of threat.5555United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations General Assembly.

These practices persist globally across many industries, including seafood production and processing.5656Walk Free. (2023). The Global Slavery Index 2023. Perth, Australia: Minderoo Foundation. This may take the form of threats or coercion, barring access to legal protections, withholding of identification by employers or high recruitment fees to secure jobs. Risk of some of these practices may be particularly high due to the presence of migrant worker populations.

This Criterion focuses on the prevention of all forms of forced labour by ASC certified farms, during recruitment and employment. Rather than disengaging from any abuses identified, as part of ASC’s approach to respect human rights and work on improvements in aquaculture, this Criterion requires that effective remediation is conducted.

Intent

The aquaculture industry does not engage in the use of forced labour and provides effective remediation for affected individuals.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.2.1

The UoC shall not engage in, or support, forced labour5757Human Rights Watch. (2018). Hidden chains: Rights abuses and forced labor in Thailand’s fishing industry. New York, USA: Human Rights Watch..

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.2

If forced labour is identified, the UoC shall implement remediation processes that prioritise the best interest of the person, following the method outlined in Appendix 10.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.3

The UoC shall ensure that where recruitment agencies are used, they comply with applicable legal requirements and are licenced or certified by the relevant authority, where such licensing or certification exists.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.4

The UoC shall ensure that original identity documents are not retained, including by any recruitment agencies used. If a secure storage option for identity documents is provided, the UoC shall ensure that:

  1. it is the choice of the employee to use the storage; and
  2. stored items are logged; and
  3. employees have free access to the storage.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.5

The UoC shall ensure that employees, whether employed directly or through a recruitment agency, are allowed to terminate their employment according to their employment terms and conditions.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.6

The UoC shall ensure that employees, whether employed directly or through a recruitment agency, do not have any part of their salary, property, or benefits unlawfully withheld.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.7

The UoC shall ensure that employees, whether employed directly or through a recruitment agency, are not charged any fees associated with recruitment, employment or travel and repatriation.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.8

The UoC shall not engage in prison labour, including where any recruitment agencies are used.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.9

The UoC shall have a policy if providing loans and advances, in which the terms and conditions are not used to bind employees to employment. The policy shall be communicated to employees in an understandable manner.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.10

The UoC shall allow employees to move around the workplace to freely access sanitary facilities and drinking water during their shift.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.11

The UoC shall not keep employees involuntarily at the site outside of a shift, including confining them in employee accommodation.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.12

The UoC shall offer free-of-charge and safe transportation for employees to leave the site when it is not easily accessible.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.13

The UoC shall not require employees to reside in employee accommodation as a condition of employment for easily accessible sites.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.14

The UoC shall not require family members of owners or employees to work. Where family members have the opportunity to work, the UoC shall ensure they are separately and voluntarily contracted.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.2.15

The UoC shall not require employees to purchase from employer-operated stores or services as a condition of employment. Where alternative stores or services are not available due to the remote location, the UoC shall ensure that goods and services are sold at fair prices.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.3

Child Labour

Quality Education
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Child Labour Under the ASC standards

Rationale

All children have the right to be protected from work that is dangerous or harmful to their health, development or education.5858If forced labour is identified, a critical non-conformity shall be raised by the CAB.5959International Labour Organization (ILO). (1999). Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO. Employment and exploitation of children and young workers occurs globally across many sectors and is driven by economic and cultural pressures on the poorest, most vulnerable people.6060International Labour Organization (ILO). (1973). Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO. However, limited and non-harmful forms of participation in the workforce can contribute to a child’s development in some contexts, providing them with skills for their adult life and supporting the welfare of their families.

More than two-thirds of global child labour is attributed to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, making it a priority issue to address.6161International Labour Office and United Nations Children’s Fund. (2021). Child labour: Global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward. New York, USA: ILO and UNICEF

This Criterion focuses on the prevention of child labour and the provision of safe working conditions for young employees on ASC certified farms. Rather than disengaging from any abuses identified, as part of ASC’s approach to respect human rights and work on improvements in aquaculture, this Criterion requires that effective remediation is conducted.

Intent

The aquaculture industry does not engage in the use of child labour and provides effective remediation for affected individuals.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.3.1

The UoC shall not engage in child labour6262FAO (2021) Tackling child labour in fisheries and aquaculture. Background Paper. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb7159en. Child labour is work that:

  • is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; or
  • interferes with their schooling.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.2

If child labour is identified, the UoC shall implement remediation processes that prioritise the best interest of the child, following the method outlined in Appendix 10.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.3

The UoC shall implement an age verification mechanism for all employees and shall maintain records of verified ages.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.4

The UoC shall report to ASC if the UoC is a family farm and if any children work on the site, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.5

The UoC shall not employ children under the age of 13 under any circumstances.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.6

The UoC shall ensure any child employed aged 13 and 14, or below the age of completion of mandatory schooling, only conducts light work if permitted by applicable law and where the following conditions are met:

  1. a risk assessment is conducted to determine that the work is non-hazardous; and
  2. the child receives appropriate training prior to work; and
  3. the child receives appropriate supervision; and
  4. parental/guardian consent is given; and
  5. the work does not interfere with schooling; and
  6. the work is for limited hours (see Indicators 3.3.9- 3.3.14).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.7

The UoC shall ensure any young employees only conduct work where the following conditions are met:

  1. a risk assessment is conducted to determine that the work is non-hazardous; and
  2. the young employee receives appropriate training prior to work; and
  3. the young employee receives appropriate supervision; and
  4. parental/guardian consent is given; and
  5. work is for limited hours (see Indicators 3.3.9, 3.3.10, 3.3.15-3.3.18).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.8

The UoC shall facilitate school attendance for any children living at the site.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.9

The UoC shall ensure that all employees under the age of 18 have at least 48 consecutive hours of rest within a seven-day period.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.10

The UoC shall not allow overtime hours for employees under the age of 18.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.11

Indicator applicability: children aged 13 or 14, or below the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

  1. The UoC shall ensure that children conducting light work:
  2. do not work more than 14 hours per week (excluding breaks); and
  3. do not work more than 2 hours per day on a school day (excluding breaks); and
  4. do not work more than 3 hours per day on a non-school day (excluding breaks); and
  5. have a combined time for school, work and transportation to and from school and work totalling less than 8 hours per day (excluding breaks).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.12

Indicator applicability: children aged 13 or 14, or below the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure that where children conduct light work for more than 2 hours on a non-school day, an additional 0.5-hour break period is included within the shift.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.13

Indicator applicability: children aged 13 or 14, or below the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure that children conducting light work have a daily rest period of at least 14 consecutive hours within a 24-hour period.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.14

Indicator applicability: children aged 13 or 14, or below the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure that children conducting light work do not work between 8pm and 6am.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.15

Indicator applicability: young employees aged 15 or above and above the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

  1. The UoC shall ensure that young employees:
  2. do not work more than 40 hours per week; and
  3. do not work more than 8 hours per day; and
  4. have a combined time for school, work and transportation to and from school and work totalling less than 10 hours per day.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.16

Indicator applicability: young employees aged 15 or above and above the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure that young employees have a total break time of at least 1 hour within 8 consecutive hours of work, with at least 0.5 hours break within any 4.5 consecutive hours of work.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.17

Indicator applicability: young employees aged 15 or above and above the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure that young employees have a daily rest period of at least 12 consecutive hours within a 24-hour period.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.3.18

Indicator applicability: young employees aged 15 or above and above the age of completion of mandatory schooling.

The UoC shall ensure that young employees do not work between 10pm and 6am.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.4

Discrimination and Harassment

Quality Education
Gender Equality
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Discrimination is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people globally. It causes negative impacts for individuals at home, in the workplace, or within wider society which can perpetuate poverty, stifle development, productivity and competitiveness, and, on a larger scale, instigate political instability. To promote a peaceful, just, and effective society, discrimination must be addressed in all its forms – visible and invisible.

This Criterion focuses on the prevention of discrimination on ASC certified farms.

Intent

The aquaculture industry prevents discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for all employees.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.4.1

The UoC shall not engage in or tolerate any form of discrimination, and shall ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal treatment and opportunities in all employment and recruitment practices.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.4.2

The UoC shall not engage in or tolerate any form of violence or harassment.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.4.3

The UoC shall ensure that employees, whether employed directly or through a recruitment agency, are not tested for pregnancy or virginity and are not forced or coerced into involuntary contraception.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.4.4

The UoC shall ensure that medical tests are only conducted during the recruitment process if required for the function of the job or by applicable law, including where any recruitment agencies are used.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.4.5

The UoC shall only require medical tests during employment if justified by a health and safety or food safety risk assessment.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.4.6

The UoC shall, when requiring medical tests (see Indicators 3.4.4 and 3.4.5), ensure that:

  1. employees understand the reasons for the tests; and
  2. employees’ medical information is confidential; and
  3. employees have access to their test results; and
  4. employees have the right to use a medical professional of their own choosing, if preferred.; and
  5. employees are not charged for the tests.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.5

Health and Safety

Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

A safe and healthy work environment ensures that workers are protected from accidents, injuries and illness arising from their employment. Despite this basic right, unsafe work is a reality for many people globally.

An estimated 22 million people are employed worldwide in aquaculture production.6363If child labour is identified, a critical non-conformity shall be raised by the CAB. These workers regularly contend with hazardous conditions and suffer injuries relating to the use of machinery, tools, boats, vehicles, drowning, falling and electrocution. The risks of accidents or incidents typically remain unaddressed due to gaps in knowledge, limited independent analyses of prevention measures or a lack of investment in risk reduction strategies. With adequate health and safety management, many of these incidents can be prevented and additional costs can be avoided.

This Criterion focuses on all aspects of creating a safe, healthy and secure workplace, including training for all employees, on ASC certified farms.

Intent

The aquaculture industry provides safe and healthy workplaces.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.5.1

The UoC shall carry out a site-specific health and safety risk assessment, approved by a member of senior management, following the method outlined in Appendix 3 (3.4).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.2

The UoC shall ensure that the person conducting the site-specific health and safety risk assessment has the necessary competencies, experience and training. In cases where regulatory requirements are defined, the UoC shall ensure that the person conducting the site-specific health and safety risk assessment complies with these requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.3

The UoC shall allow any person the freedom to remove themselves from an unsafe situation without seeking permission and without fear of retribution.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.4

The UoC shall ensure that any person with a medical condition, or who is pregnant, does not conduct hazardous work as determined by the health and safety risk assessment (see Indicator 3.5.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.5

The UoC shall ensure that any person working on the site receives health and safety training as required to carry out their job. The UoC shall ensure that training is:

  1. free of charge; and
  2. provided in a timely manner; and
  3. repeated on a regular basis; and
  4. conducted during regularly remunerated working hours, or the person is compensated for their time; and
  5. updated as necessary based on new procedures or equipment; and
  6. documented, and records maintained.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.6

The UoC shall maintain written records of health and safety accidents and near misses, determine the root cause and implement appropriate corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.7

The UoC shall report to ASC any accidents, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.8

The UoC shall ensure that appropriate and understandable health and safety notices, instructions, and warning signs are visibly displayed.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.9

The UoC shall ensure that clear and understandable emergency and fire safety procedures are in place.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.10

The UoC shall ensure that escape routes, fire exits, firefighting equipment and fire alarms are clearly marked and maintained in good working order.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.11

The UoC shall ensure that escape routes, fire exits and firefighting equipment are accessible and clear of obstacles.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.12

The UoC shall provide and maintain appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge and monitor its proper use.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.13

The UoC shall provide appropriate First Aid in the event of a work-related injury, including access to professional medical assistance.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.14

The UoC shall, where not provided by a state or national social security or health system, provide and pay for insurance or have a system to cover costs for all employees for all work-related accidents or injuries. This shall include at least the following:

  1. the cost for transport and medical treatment and medication needed to treat the accident or injury; and
  2. the cost for transport and medical treatment and medication needed for recovery; and
  3. compensation for lost working hours; and
  4. cost for any required repatriation in case of migrant workers.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.15

The UoC shall ensure that any person who handles or comes into contact with hazardous substances has access to appropriate changing and washing facilities.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.16

The UoC shall provide access to appropriate sanitary facilities that:

  1. are clean and hygienic; and
  2. include adequate privacy measures; and
  3. include separation by gender if required; and
  4. are sufficient for the number of people using them.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.17

The UoC shall provide access to free, clearly labelled, drinking water.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.18

The UoC shall provide access to an appropriate and clean area to prepare food and eat during breaks.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.19

The UoC shall ensure that all buildings and structures on the site are safe to use through adequate construction, maintenance, and repair.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.20

The UoC shall ensure that machinery and equipment:

  1. is compliant with applicable legal requirements or other recognised standards; and
  2. is safely installed, maintained, and safeguarded; and
  3. is only operated by trained employees.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.21

The UoC shall log all commercial diving activities and maintain records, including a list of any person involved.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.22

The UoC shall ensure that any person involved in commercial diving activities holds commercial diver certification through an accredited organisation.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.5.23

The UoC shall ensure that commercial divers undergo annual medical tests to confirm they are fit to dive.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.6

Collective Bargaining and Freedom of Association

Decent Work and Economic Growth
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

The rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are key mechanisms of worker engagement. These rights, and the pathways that they create, enable workers to come together, articulate their needs to employers and engage in a dialogue regarding the realisation of decent working conditions.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified farms upholding employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining – and where national law does not permit these rights, how farms can provide alternatives for employees.

Intent

The aquaculture industry respects and supports the rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.6.1

The UoC shall allow all employees to join or form a trade union or worker organisation. An exception applies where this is restricted by applicable law, in which case the UoC shall allow alternative lawful mechanisms for employee engagement.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.6.2

The UoC shall allow all employees to engage in collective bargaining. An exception applies where this is restricted by applicable law, in which case the UoC shall allow alternative lawful mechanisms for employee engagement.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.6.3

The UoC shall not interfere with collective bargaining processes or the establishment, operation, or administration of trade unions or worker organisations.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.6.4

The UoC shall report to ASC if there are any collective bargaining agreements in place and if there is any engagement with local trade unions, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.6.5

The UoC shall uphold any collective bargaining agreements developed.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.7

Transparent Contracts

Quality Education
Gender Equality
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Employment contracts consist of terms and conditions that address aspects of the employment such as the respective responsibilities of employer and employee. They are designed to give both parties clarity, trust, assurance and protection, through clear and understandable explanation of the obligations for both sides. If these agreements are not clearly understood by the employee, confusion and disagreements may result. Contracting employees in a transparent manner increases accountability in the workplace, helping to build a positive relationship between employer and employee. This Criterion focuses on employers committing to, and employees clearly understanding the terms and conditions of, their employment – contributing to transparency and accountability on ASC certified farms.

Intent

The aquaculture industry contracts on clear terms for all employees, including migrant workers.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.7.1

The UoC shall ensure that all employees have received, understood and agreed upon, written information about their employment terms and conditions before starting employment and, where applicable, prior to migration. This information shall include at least the following:

  1. a description of the role and any responsibilities; and
  2. the type of contract (e.g. permanent, fixed-term, contractor); and
  3. working hours, including allowance for breaks, paid annual leave, allowance for days off on public holidays, and sick leave; and
  4. wages, any agreed wage deductions (e.g. accommodation, meals), compensation for overtime, and loans and advances; and
  5. social benefits (e.g. insurances); and
  6. termination terms and conditions, notice period; and
  7. relevant human rights and labour-related policies; and
  8. information on labour rights (see Indicator 1.1.2).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.7.2

The UoC shall ensure that if family members are working on the site they are either subject to Indicator 3.7.1 or they receive compensation or benefits for work done that is proportional to the productivity or profit of the site.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.7.3

The UoC shall not engage in false-apprenticeships.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.7.4

The UoC shall ensure that no employment arrangements are used to avoid obligations to employees under applicable labour and social security laws, and social security for all employees is paid according to applicable legal requirements.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.7.5

The UoC shall report to ASC the employee composition, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.8

Wages

No Poverty
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Link to Interpretation manual

Minimum and Living Wages
Understanding Living Wages
Calculating Wage Gaps

Rationale

Every employee deserves to be fairly compensated for their efforts. In many countries, this compensation is insufficient to maintain a decent standard of living, leaving employees and their families in a cycle of poverty which is difficult to escape from. Across many industries, efforts are being made to progress compensation up to the level of a living wage, defined as “the remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and her or his family. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected event.”6464Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024—Blue transformation in action. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0683en

Intent

The aquaculture industry provides salaries at or above the legal minimum wage and improves towards payment of a living wage.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.8.1

The UoC shall set wages, before overtime and bonuses, at or above the legal minimum wage. An exception applies where a minimum wage has not been established by applicable law, in which case the UoC shall calculate wages in consultation with employees or their representative organisations.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.8.2

The UoC shall annually calculate employee remuneration following the method outlined in Appendix 11, and shall assess this against the living wage benchmarks listed on the ASC website to identify if there is a gap between employee remuneration and the living wage benchmark.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.8.3

The UoC shall annually report on the gap between employee remuneration and the living wage benchmark, according to ASC data submission procedures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.8.4

The UoC shall, where employee remuneration is below the living wage benchmark (see Indicator 3.8.2), develop and implement a wage improvement plan towards payment of a living wage.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.8.5

The UoC shall pay wages in full directly to employees in legal tender or into a bank account in their name at regular intervals, at least monthly. Wages shall not be delayed, deferred or in any way withheld.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.8.6

The UoC shall document wage payment and receipt by all employees.

Documentation shall be understandable and made available to the employees and shall include information on at least the following:

  1. wages; and
  2. advances; and
  3. loans; and
  4. hours worked including overtime; and
  5. details of any withholdings.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.8.7

The UoC shall ensure that employees are entitled to maternity leave of a minimum 14 weeks that includes a guarantee of return to the job.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.9

Working Hours

Good Health and Well-being
Gender Equality
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

With many global standards and local regulations in place, working time is one of the oldest labour concerns.6565https://www.globallivingwage.org/about/what-is-a-living-wage/ Excessive working hours are a widespread issue – including within the aquaculture industry – and in some regions are driven by low hourly wages.6666International Labour Organization (ILO). (1919). Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO. An inability to decline excessive overtime, due to wage pressures or fear of dismissal, can result in forced labour and higher levels of fatigue-related accidents.

This Criterion focuses on ASC certified farms having a framework for regulating hours of work, rest periods and annual holidays – serving also to promote higher productivity while safeguarding employees’ physical and mental health.

Intent

The aquaculture industry implements reasonable working hours that encourage a healthy work-life balance.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.9.1

The UoC shall ensure that working hours comply with applicable legal requirements and any collective bargaining agreements in place on premium rates, working hours, shift patterns, breaks, daily rest, weekly rest and annual leave.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.2

The UoC shall maintain records of the hours worked by every employee.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.3

Indicator applicability: any person aged 18 and above.

The UoC shall ensure that working hours do not exceed 8 hours per day and 48 hours in a week (excluding overtime).

An exception applies where the operations of the UoC require a different working pattern, in which case the UoC may use averaging of working hours if permitted by applicable legal requirements, calculated over a maximum 17-week reference period6767Messenger, J. (2018). Working time and the future of work. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organization.

When more than 48 hours are worked in a week as a result of averaging, the UoC shall ensure that the following conditions are met:

  1. it is in line with applicable legal requirements; and
  2. it is in line with collective bargaining agreements; and
  3. terms are clearly set out and agreed to by employees in their contracts; and
  4. appropriate safeguards are put in place to protect the employee’s health and safety.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.4

The UoC shall ensure that overtime hours:

  1. are voluntary; and
  2. are not requested regularly; and
  3. have appropriate safeguards in place to protect the employee’s health and safety.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.5

The UoC shall ensure that employees do not work more than 12 hours of overtime per week.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.6

The UoC shall ensure that overtime hours are paid at a premium rate of at least 125%6868https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours of the agreed wages, or as defined by applicable legal requirements or any collective bargaining agreements in place, whichever is higher.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.7

Indicator applicability: any person aged 18 and above.

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are granted breaks during work shifts. Where this is defined by applicable legal requirements or any collective bargaining agreements in place, these shall be followed.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.8

Indicator applicability: any person aged 18 and above.

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are granted at least 11 consecutive hours of rest within a 24-hour period.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.9

Indicator applicability: any person aged 18 and above.

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are granted at least 24 consecutive hours of rest within a 7-day period6969https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C030, or at least 48 consecutive hours of rest within a 14-day period7070https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:12100::::12100:P12100_INSTRUMENT_ID:312159 if allowed by applicable law.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.10

The UoC shall ensure that additional breaks are granted for pregnant women and breast-feeding women. These breaks shall be counted as working time and appropriate facilities shall be provided.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.9.11

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are granted paid leave as defined by applicable legal requirements or any collective bargaining agreements in place.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.10

Workplace Conduct Response

Decent Work and Economic Growth
Responsible Consumption and Production
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Professional behaviour in the workplace benefits both the employer and employee as it strengthens the effectiveness of operational processes, contributing to business productivity and wider industry reputation. However, when employee behaviours are not in line with expectations, the employer may decide to intervene. Although these interventions are intended to benefit both parties, there is a risk that this could be done in an unfair or degrading manner towards the employee.

This Criterion focuses on establishing an effective and consistent way to deal with performance matters, while protecting the dignity, and physical and mental wellbeing of employees on ASC certified farms.

Intent

The aquaculture industry implements fair and transparent workplace conduct response, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.10.1

The UoC shall have a written workplace conduct response policy with the intent of setting out the process to respond to breaches of company rules.

The policy shall define clear levels of escalation and shall ensure that the employee’s dignity is upheld at all times.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.10.2

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are aware of, and understand, the workplace conduct response policy.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.10.3

The UoC shall maintain records of responses to breaches of company rules.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.10.4

The UoC shall not deduct from wages or benefits as part of any response to breaches of company rules.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.11

Employee Accommodation

Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

Aquaculture sites are often located in remote areas, including off-shore operations. Daily commutes between shifts are usually difficult under these circumstances, and as a result, employees may reside for a duration in accommodation provided by their employer. In certain regions and particular industries, employees might decide to live with their families on the site. Where employee accommodation is provided, there can be a risk that the living conditions are poor, with limited freedom of movement or access to sanitary facilities – posing a physical and mental health risk. Poor accommodation is strongly linked to forced labour.7171https://www.ethicaltrade.org/eti-base-code/6-working-hours-are-not-excessive

This Criterion focuses on housing provided by employers meeting the needs of employees and forming a suitable living environment on ASC certified farms.

Intent

The aquaculture industry provides safe, decent and hygienic employee accommodation where this is needed.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.11.1

The UoC shall ensure that any accommodation provided for employees or their family:

  1. is according to applicable legal requirements; and
  2. has adequate safety provisions; and
  3. is regularly maintained and kept in good working order; and
  4. is clean and hygienic; and
  5. allows for adequate privacy, including separation by gender if required; and
  6. meets the basic needs of the employees and their families; and
  7. is sufficient for the number of people using them.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.11.2

The UoC shall ensure that any rent for accommodation is reasonable and is in line with average local rental rates.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.11.3

The UoC shall provide access to appropriate sanitary facilities that:

  1. are clean and hygienic; and
  2. include adequate privacy measures; and
  3. include separation by gender if required; and
  4. are sufficient for the number of people using them.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.11.4

The UoC shall arrange for an annual meeting with employees or their representatives to discuss any reasonable improvements required to accommodation. The UoC shall maintain records of these meetings and shall take actions where necessary.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.11.5

The UoC shall ensure that all employees working in remote locations have access to a free, private, real-time communication link to communicate externally.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.12

Grievance Mechanism

Quality Education
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Link to Interpretation manual

Grievance Mechanisms

Rationale

Grievance mechanisms may be referred to as dispute, complaint or accountability mechanisms. They offer a system in which parties can effectively address a problem together, provide remediation where needed and serve as an early warning system for human rights issues to inform corrective actions. They also offer the right to external redress. Well-functioning grievance mechanisms are transparent, fair, predictable, accessible to all stakeholder groups and foster trust among participants.7272International Labour Organization (ILO). (1961). Workers’ Housing Recommendation, 1961 (No. 115). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO.

This Criterion focuses on the development of effective grievance mechanisms for employees on ASC certified farms, and neighbouring communities.

Intent

The aquaculture industry fosters dialogue with employees and communities over dispute, and where needed seeks resolution through robust grievance mechanisms.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.12.1

The UoC shall, when concerns arise, engage in dialogue with employees or their representatives, with the intent of avoiding an escalation to a grievance. The UoC shall ensure that employees understand how to engage in this dialogue.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.2

The UoC shall have an employee grievance mechanism that is accessible, fair and applicable to all employees.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.3

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are trained on the employee grievance mechanism.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.4

The UoC shall have a community grievance mechanism that is proactively communicated, accessible, fair and applicable to Indigenous and tribal peoples, and local communities.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.5

The UoC shall ensure the grievance mechanisms in Indicators 3.12.2 and 3.12.4 include provisions for non-retaliation.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.6

The UoC shall ensure that:

  1. grievances are acknowledged within 10 days from submission; and
  2. grievances are resolved within 90 days from submission.

Where resolution is not possible within 90 days, justification and an alternative timeline shall be provided to relevant parties.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.7

The UoC shall maintain written records of all grievances, responses and resolutions.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.8

The UoC shall facilitate the establishment of employee representation to support the implementation and maintenance of the grievance mechanism.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.12.9

The UoC shall ensure that grievance mechanisms are confidential, and information is only shared where necessary to investigate the grievance.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Criterion 3.13

Community Engagement

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals
Link to Interpretation manual

Rationale

If conducted irresponsibly, any economic activity can potentially create negative impacts or infringe on the legal and customary rights of neighbouring Indigenous and tribal people, and local communities as established in ILO conventions.7373United Nations. (2011). Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.

Local communities that depend on fishing or agriculture may face economic challenges or risks to their food security as aquaculture operations may compete with, or deplete, their resources. Customary rights of Indigenous and tribal people to use specific lands and waters for cultural or subsistence activities may also be affected. Aquaculture operations may also affect communities in other ways, such as by increasing traffic or causing pollution.

This Criterion focuses on how ASC certified farms can create positive relationships with the local community. This involves understanding potential adverse impacts, acknowledging legal and customary rights, constructive and continuous engagement, and the involvement of the local community and Indigenous people in business ventures.

Intent

The aquaculture industry supports local development and conducts meaningful community engagement.

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

3.13.1

The UoC shall not restrict or negatively affect the legal or customary rights of Indigenous and tribal peoples and local communities to sites that are of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual significance.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.13.2

The UoC shall identify, avoid and mitigate potential negative impacts on the surrounding communities resulting from its activities.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.13.3

The UoC shall, where possible, source goods and services, including employment, from Indigenous and tribal peoples and local communities.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.13.4

The UoC shall demonstrate its right to use the land and water including, where applicable, transfer of ownership or usage of land from Indigenous and tribal peoples, local communities or other stakeholders to the UoC.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

3.13.5

The UoC shall proactively engage with Indigenous and tribal peoples and local communities to identify, avoid, and mitigate significant negative impacts resulting from the activities of the UoC.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Abalone
Bivalves
Shrimp
Freshwater prawn
Crayfish
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

Principle 4

The aquaculture industry upholds responsible animal health and welfare practices

Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals

Rationale

Animal health and welfare are crucial for responsible aquaculture and underpin the ASC vision for the development of the industry. Through this commitment, ASC also addresses a spectrum of global challenges, including food security, ecosystem resilience, global warming and threats to public health. By recognising the connection between these issues, animal health and welfare in aquaculture emerges as a critical focus, providing a holistic approach to safeguarding people, animals and the environment.

The ASC Farm Standard adopts a comprehensive framework for animal health and welfare that encompasses ethical, economic, environmental, and regulatory considerations to mitigate risks, and prevents poor animal health and welfare outcomes.

ASC embraces a definition of welfare defined by the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and its capacity to cope with the environment providing opportunities for animals to ‘thrive’ and not simply survive. This perspective is linked to the concept of Positive Animal Welfare (PAW), which can be characterised by four features: positive emotions, positive affective engagement, quality of life and happiness. These features extend the original Five Freedoms7474International Labour Organization (ILO). (1989). Indigenous and Tribal Populations, 1989 (No. 169). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO.,7575Green, T., & Mellor, D. (2011). Extending ideas about animal welfare assessment to include ‘quality of life’ and related concepts. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 59(6), 263–271. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2011.610283 to incorporate consideration of quality of life. 

The criteria in this principle cover best practices in handling and slaughter, as well as disease prevention and the use of therapeutants, for fish, crustaceans and bivalves. By promoting high standards of animal health and welfare, ASC not only reinforces its commitment to responsible aquaculture but also addresses consumer concerns, and contributes to the ethical production of sustainable blue foods.

Criterion 4.1

Fish (including Cleaner Fish)

Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Life Below Water
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals
Link to Interpretation manual

Fish Slaughter Under the ASC Farm Standard

Rationale

Many animals, including fish, are sentient beings that can feel and experience pain, stress and anxiety. Keeping them in good health and welfare is a responsible practice that support animals to adapt to their surroundings, boosts productivity, prevents the spread of disease and reduces reliance on chemicals with potentially negative environmental effects. Handling activities and slaughter are major factors in the welfare of farmed animals. If not carried out appropriately, they can lead to stress and overall suffering.7676Mellor, D. J. (2016). Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the “Five Freedoms” towards “A Life Worth Living”. Animals, 6(3), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6030021

Maintaining good health and welfare in aquaculture production includes consideration of a wide range of practices and conditions. Key aspects include disease detection and response, feeding practices, appropriate handling of animals and monitoring of water conditions.7777Ashley, P. J. (2007). Fish welfare: current issues in aquaculture. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 104(3-4), 199-235. Best practices in fish slaughter include the implementation of responsible stunning and killing methods to ensure that there is rapid loss of consciousness, which is not regained before killing.7777Ashley, P. J. (2007). Fish welfare: current issues in aquaculture. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 104(3-4), 199-235. An effective management plan and site-specific handling plans can help avoid mortality events, demonstrating commitment to responsible aquaculture practices.

This Criterion focuses on farming, handling, and slaughter practices by ASC certified farms to support good animal health and welfare, including training, monitoring, veterinarian oversight, and development of a site-specific Health and Welfare Management Plan (HWMP).

Intent

The aquaculture industry ensures good health and welfare, humane handling and slaughter practices of cultured fish

Indicators

Applicability

Indicators

Description

4.1.1.1

The UoC shall ensure that all relevant employees are trained on general animal health and welfare awareness, including biosecurity, according to Appendix 12 (12.2, Table 1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.2

The UoC shall ensure that any person involved in animal husbandry and handling activities is trained on animal health and welfare, according to Appendix 12 (12.2, Table 1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.3

The UoC shall ensure that the content of the training in Indicators 4.1.1.1 and 4.1.1.2 is updated as necessary, and is approved by a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.4

The UoC shall implement a vaccination plan that:

  1. considers the relevant diseases and vaccine availability; and
  2. includes justification for vaccine selection; and
  3. is approved by a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.5

Indicator applicability: marine salmonids in cages

The UoC shall only stock a single cohort of fish per site.

Applicable to

Cages
Other – water based
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.6

The UoC shall adhere to species-specific mortality limits, according to Appendix 2 (2.3).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Pangasius
Salmonids – marine
Tilapia
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.7

The UoC shall only stock batches of fish that have been tested prior to stocking and are free from diseases of regional concern.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.8

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 for all fish species and quarterly for salmon, as well as reactively in cases of fish health or welfare concerns.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.9

Indicator applicability: every UoC using feed

The UoC shall develop and implement a feeding plan that includes at least the following:

  1. time and frequency of feeding; and
  2. feed rations; and
  3. feeding methods; and
  4. different environmental conditions; and
  5. prevention of the use of feed which has expired, spoiled or shows signs of excessive leakage; and
  6. 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.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a site-specific Health and Welfare Management Plan (HWMP), approved by a registered veterinarian, with the intention of preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring the good health and welfare of farmed fish.

The HWMP shall include all of the following:

  1. disease monitoring; and
  2. response, including quarantine, treatment, and humane culling; and
  3. reporting mechanisms, including reporting WOAH-notifiable disease to authorities; and
  4. biosecurity risks; and
  5. predation risks.

The HWMP shall be reviewed and revised as necessary:

  1. at least annually for sites with cycles under one year or using continuous production methods; or
  2. after each cycle for sites with longer cycles or all-in-all-out production methods.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.1

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

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.2

The UoC shall ensure7878Lines, J. A., & Spence, J. (2014). Humane harvesting and slaughter of farmed fish. Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics), 33(1), 255-264. the HWMP includes a morphological scoring monitoring process for live fish. Monitoring shall be conducted at least once a month, and shall include at least the following scoring parameters:

  1. eye damage
  2. operculum damage
  3. skin damage
  4. fin damage
  5. deformities
  6. change of colouration
  7. emaciation

An exception applies where deviation from monitoring frequency is justified by any of the following reasons:

  1. immediately after smolting and stocking; or
  2. under environmental conditions that affect the welfare of the fish or the health and safety of employees; or
  3. fish are undergoing a disease event and/or being treated, in which case the maximum deviation shall be two weeks.

The reason for any deviation shall be recorded.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.3

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a feeding behaviour scoring monitoring process for live fish. Monitoring shall be conducted daily.

An exception applies where deviation from daily monitoring is justified under environmental conditions that affect the welfare of the fish or the health and safety of employees. The reason for any deviation shall be recorded.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.4

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a mortality monitoring process which includes at least the following:

  1. daily monitoring and recording of mortalities; and
  2. removal of mortalities at least every two days; and
  3. classification of all recovered mortalities and a post-mortem analysis for each mortality event; and
  4. investigation of mortality events which remain unexplained or unattributed to fish health reasons; and
  5. 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.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.5

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a traffic light system for water quality (Indicator 4.1.1.10.1), morphological scoring (Indicator 4.1.1.10.2), behavioural scoring (Indicator 4.1.1.10.3) and mortality (Indicator 4.1.1.10.4). The system shall identify ranges of acceptable levels (green), warning levels (amber) and unacceptable levels (red) of health or welfare.

Where levels are identified as amber or red, the UoC shall increase monitoring and implement appropriate corrective actions to restore the levels back to green.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.6

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes trend analysis to determine changes in health and welfare over time. This analysis shall consider drivers of the trends, and shall be based on the data analysed in Indicator 4.1.1.10.5 and feedback from the processing plant where relevant.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.7

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a mortality reduction plan which defines annual targets for both total and unexplained mortalities by considering the results of the trend analysis in Indicator 4.1.1.10.6, and shall implement appropriate actions to meet the annual targets.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.10.8

The UoC shall report the following to a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional:

  1. all mortality events; and
  2. fish health and welfare concerns identified during mortality classification.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.11

The UoC shall report to the relevant authorities if a WOAH-notifiable disease is confirmed at a site, and shall:

  1. apply the measures according to applicable legal requirements; and
  2. increase disease-monitoring in other batches of fish; and
  3. coordinate oversight by a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.11.1

Indicator applicability: marine salmonids in cages

The UoC shall immediately notify other sites within the ABM if a WOAH-notifiable disease is confirmed.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.12

The UoC calculate stocking densities, following the method outlined in Appendix 12 (12.5.4).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.13

The UoC shall report to ASC mortality data, according to ASC data submission procedures, and following the method outlined in Appendix 12 (12.5.1).

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.14

The UoC shall ensure that all relevant employees are trained on general animal health and welfare awareness, including biosecurity, according to Appendix 12 (12.2, Table 1).

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.15

The UoC shall ensure that any person involved in animal husbandry and handling activities is trained on animal health and welfare, according to Appendix 12 (12.2, Table 1).

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.16

The UoC shall ensure that the content of the training in Indicators 4.1.1.14 and 4.1.1.15 is updated as necessary and is approved by a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.17

The UoC shall only use native cleaner fish species.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.18

The UoC shall carry out a risk assessment prior to stocking cleaner fish, considering at least the following:

  1. the suitability of use of cleaner fish for parasite control (see Indicator 4.5.17); and
  2. the disease history of the cleaner fish to avoid cross contamination (only where using farmed cleaner fish); and
  3. site-specific environmental conditions considering the species-specific needs of cleaner fish; and
  4. net mesh size; and
  5. salmon size in relation to cleaner fish.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.19

The UoC shall only stock batches of cleaner fish that have been tested prior to stocking and are free from diseases of regional concern.7979An exemption applies for Seabass due to its high sensitivity to handling practices.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.20

The UoC shall implement a vaccination plan that:

  1. considers the relevant diseases and vaccine availability; and
  2. includes justification for vaccine selection; and
  3. is approved by a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.21

The UoC shall provide hides and refuges for the cleaner fish that are:

  1. designed and placed according to the species-specific needs; and
  2. sufficient for the number of cleaner fish stocked.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.22

The UoC shall only stock cleaner fish:

  1. during daylight; and
  2. in calm weather; and
  3. below the waterline; and
  4. close to hides and refuges; and
  5. after salmon have been fed; and
  6. without forcing removal from their transport container.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.23

Indicator applicability: every UoC using feed

The UoC shall develop and implement a feeding plan that considers at least all of the following:

  1. time and frequency of feeding; and
  2. feed rations; and
  3. feeding methods; and
  4. different environmental conditions; and
  5. prevention of the use of feed which has expired, spoiled or shows signs of excessive leakage; and
  6. 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.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.24

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

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.25

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.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.26

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a site-specific Health and Welfare Management Plan (HWMP), approved by a registered veterinarian, with the intention of preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring the good health and welfare of cleaner fish.

The HWMP shall include all of the following:

  1. disease monitoring; and
  2. response, including quarantine, treatment, and humane culling; and
  3. reporting mechanisms, including reporting WOAH-notifiable disease to authorities; and
  4. biosecurity risks; and
  5. predation risks.

The HWMP shall be reviewed, and revised as necessary, at least at the end of every period of cleaner fish use.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

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).

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

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.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

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.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.26.4

The UoC shall ensure the HWMP includes a mortality monitoring process which includes at least the following:

  1. daily monitoring and recording of mortalities; and
  2. removal of mortalities at least every second day; and,
  3. classification of all recovered mortalities and conducting a post-mortem analysis for each mortality event; and
  4. investigation of mortality events which remain unexplained or unattributed to fish health reasons; and
  5. 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.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

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.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.26.6

The UoC shall report the following to a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional:

all mortality events; and

cleaner fish health and welfare concerns identified during mortality classification.

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.27

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

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.1.28

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).

Applicable to

Cages
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Salmonids – marine
Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.1

The UoC shall develop, implement and maintain a site-specific Handling Management Plan (HMP), with the intent of ensuring the good health and welfare of farmed fish.

The HMP shall be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.2

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP includes all handling activities carried out on site.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.3

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP includes contingency plans for handling activities, including at least the following:

  1. immediate response measures in the case of system failure; and
  2. humane culling response measures (see Indicator 4.1.3.2); and
  3. mass mortality event response measures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.4

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP includes consideration of the environmental conditions associated with handling activities, with the intent of preventing handling under adverse conditions that could affect the health and welfare of the fish.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.5

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP, following consultation with a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional, considers the use of anaesthesia during handling activities.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.6

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP includes a fitness assessment of the fish prior to handling activities8080An exemption applies to wild caught species sourced from zones or compartments declared disease free. See COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2006/88/EC of 24 October 2006 on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals and European Union Reference Laboratory for Fish Diseases: Cleaner fish in aquaculture: Health management and legislative issues.View More, approved by a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

For the specific handling activities listed below, the fitness assessment shall be carried out:

  • within a two week period prior to transport or treatment that requires handling of the fish, except when the same type of treatment is repeated, in which case the assessment shall be carried out at least once a month after the initial treatment;
  • within a two-week period prior to net change and passive grading.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.7

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP considers crowding activities with the intention of preventing stress, injury and mortality. Crowding activities shall be carried out:

  1. under supervision; and
  2. gradually; and
  3. partially; and
  4. for a maximum of two hours.

An exception applies where a registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional demonstrates that exceeding two hours of crowding does not negatively impact fish welfare, in which case the maximum time period shall be defined by the registered veterinarian or aquatic animal health professional.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.8

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP considers biosecurity risks specific to the types of handling activities, and shall include appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent the transfer of disease.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.9

The UoC shall ensure that the HMP considers predation risks specific to the types of handling activities, and shall include appropriate predator control measures.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water
Fed
Non-fed
Flatfish
Pangasius
Pike-perch
Salmonids – marine
Seabass, Seabream, Meagre
Seriola and Cobia
Tilapia
Salmonids – freshwater
Tropical Marine Fish
Cleaner Fish
Non Cleaner Fish

4.1.2.10

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

In the case of live transport8181An exemption applies to handling activities related to health examinations (e.g. health assessment, parasite counting) and in the case of emergencies (e.g. containment of an escape)., monitoring shall be conducted at the point of departure, during transport and on arrival. An exception applies where monitoring during transport negatively affects fish health and welfare, in which case monitoring is not required.

Applicable to

Ponds
Flowthrough/Raceway
Cages
Suspended
Other – water based
Other – land based
Freshwater
Brackish water
Marine water