The FEAP Code of Conduct for European Aquaculture

The Environment

Aquaculturists should work together with other water users to assure equitable use of the resource and mutual understanding.

1. Water use and quality

Abstraction and discharge.

The practise of aquaculture requires water and therefore the profession has to accept that the activity has an impact and be committed to limit it.

Unnecessary water use must be avoided.

2. Site selection

All fish farms should be designed, developed and managed with a view to the equitable and efficient use of resources.

Aquaculturists shall use only those sites that are compatible with

Best efforts should be made for aquaculture to integrate harmoniously with the surroundings of the site.

3. Site Management

Aquaculturists should apply the best available technology and procedures in order to optimise both the farm husbandry and the interactions of the farm with the environment.

Best efforts should be made so that the general appearance of the site is attractive, neat and tidy.

a) Escapes

Farmers will seek to minimise the potential risks that are presented by farmed fish escapes to wild fisheries.

Farmers will, in the event of escapes, co-operate and inform the respective authorities to assure that appropriate actions will be taken.

b) Therapeutic actions

Farmers will ensure that the potential for contamination of the environment will be minimised when using disinfecting agents and other therapeutic agents.

Recommended withdrawal periods for therapeutic agents must be carefully observed and implemented prior to harvesting.