-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice A Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture January 17 2019 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 38‘m6 ‘Scatish Salmon The Code of Go Practice PREFACE TO THE 2010 EDITION “We want industry to operate in optimal locations, with access to good growing waters, providing jobs in local communities and acting responsibly, respectful of environmental considerations and the needs of other stakeholders” From: A Fresh Start: The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009) Background The Code of Good Practice for Scotish Finfish Aquaculture (CoGP) was produced in response to the recommendations ofthe Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2003). Since its implementation in 2006, the CoGP has been widely adopted as an industry production standard in Scotland and has become recognised both nationally and internationally. The CoGP has been overseen by a Management Group (Annex 1) which has provided regular reports tothe Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture (MWGA), a stakeholder group involving Scottish Goverment and many diferent parties with an interest n the sustainable development of aquaculture in Scotland. ‘The need for continuous development of the CoGP has been acknowledged from the outset and a number of developments have been implemented, under the direction of the Group. Itwas also envisaged that revisions of te standards would be necessary from time to time to Update the CoGP's provisions and approaches in light of developing knowledge and experience. A Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture Following a broad consultation with stakeholders, the Scottish Government published A Fresh Star: The Renewed Strategic Framework for ‘Scottish Aquacutture (2008). This document set out a vision forthe further development of Scotish aquaculture whichis fully integrated into the Scottsh Government's main purpose and the wider national strategic policy objectives (Table 1). ‘Table 1. The Scottish Government's main purpose and five strategic policy objectives. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html anisesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice IMain purpose: {To focus Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities forall of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. strategic policy objectives: |- Wealthier and Fairer — Enable businesses and people to increase their wealth and more people to share fairly in that wealth, | Smarter Expand opportunities for Scots to succeed from nurture through to life-long learning ensuring higher and more widely shared lachievements |- Healthier - Help people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and fastor jaccess to health care. |- Safer and Stronger — Help communities to flourish, becoming stronger, safer places to live, offering improved opportunities and a better [quality of lite. |. Greener improve Scotland's natural and bull environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment ofit Key Themes of the Strategic Framework ‘The renewed strategic famework is based on fve policy hemes: + Healthier farmed fish and shellfish; + Improved systoms for licensing aquaculture developments; + Improved containment, + Better marketing and improved image: + Improved access to finance. ‘These are set out againsta series of desired outcomes (Table 2), which are the focus of a new Ministerial Group on Aquaculture Group (MGA). Inthe autumn of 2008, five working groups were established to develop these themes, and there was subsequently the establishment of an additional group with a specific focus on shellish aquaculture. ‘Table 2. The key themes and desired outcomes of the strategic framework for Scottish aquaculture. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice key Themes [Desired Outcomes. Healthier fsh and JA secure long-term future forthe industry by protecting the asset through adoption of disease and parasite contra lshettish strategies which also contibute to minimise impacts on the environment, Improved systems for licensing aquaculture [development [Development of the right sites in the right places through transparent, streamlined and proportionate regulation land processing to minimise adverse impacts on other users of the marine and freshwater environment |Containment improved by adopting best practice to reduce stock loss, improve profitability and secure the future improved containment |[eceibily ofthe industry whilst minimising adverse environmental impacts and preventing conflict with other interests, Maximise profitbiliy for commodity and niche market producers by promotion ofa positive image of the industry land making best use of he Scotish quality brand to secure markets at home and abroad and provide sustainable lemployment opportunites. Better marketing and improved image Improved access to _| An investment climate which supports and underpins the long-term future and competitiveness of the sector with finance investments in best practice and new technologies. Revised Industry Code of Good Practice In parallel wih the updating of the Strategic Framework for Aquaculture, the CoGP Management Group considered it appropriate to comprehensively review and update the industry CoGP. The revision is reflected inthis document, ‘The review process was designed to take account of changes in legislation and technology which have occurred since the CoGP was frst published, lessons learned during the period of operation of the previous edition, and views expressed by many stakeholders who were Consulted. The Management Group has given each point careful consideration and, in a very large proportion of cases, points made have been acknowledged in the updated edition af the CoGP. Furthermore, as the review of the CoGP has been in progress, recommendations have continued to emerge from the MGA's Working Groups and these too have been taken into account. Further recommendations are expected from the MGA’s Working Groups over the coming months, and there are anticipated developments in statutory regulaton as the measures of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 are progressively introduced. AS a result, some sections of the CoGP have been rewritten in the knowledge that further changes in detail will need to be introduced in future revisions, and the structure ofthe document has been designed with thatin mine. Tris revised edition ofthe CoGP includes some important modifications, and some significant changes of approach, which are outlined in the section which follows. In some cases, such as those related to management af the fish farm environmentand of predators, significantnow sections have been added, These incorporate topics into the CoGP which were previously referred to in supporting documents, and also reflect new regulatory and scientific developments. However, structure, format and purpose of the CoGP has been retained, such that continues to constitute an industry production standard Ths has been done in such a way as to allow ito be readily transposed into an assessment manual for use in UKAS-accredited auditing and certification processes. This serves to maintain and further develop the purpose of the CoGP as a vehicle for continuous improvement, meeting the bestinteresis of both industy and a community of stakeholders, and providing the basis for industy regulaton inline with the principles of governance set outin A Fresh Start: The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009), namely: “Governance: Regulation should be proportionate and fit for purpose; be responsive to the needs of the farmed fish and shellfish industries without compromising the aquatic environment or interests of other stakeholders; and decision making should be efficient, fair, transparent and inclusive. Good management, adherence to agreed codes of good practice and stakeholder engagement are important for the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.“ Objectives of the CoGP Whilst he CoGP does not replace any aspect of the very substantial body of legislation and regulation relating to aquaculture, it meets tree clear objectives: + Arobust, properly constructed and closely observed CoGP plays an Important partin helping to achieve balanced and proportionate fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T ei 20C ode%200%.20Go00%20Practce Html annesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice regulation of the industry's actvities, without overwhelming preoccupation with regulatory detail or bureaucracy. + Through its adoption and independent auditing, the CoGP provides assurance to al stakeholders, consumers and the general public that Scottish finish aquaculture is a responsible sector, producing a range of products of which Scotland can be just‘lably proud. + The CoGP acts to bring he standard of practice of every participating farmer up to a specified desirable level, and provides a framework for industry development through continuous improvement, which reflects the Scotish industry's desire to remain at he forefront of good practice. Structure and Presentation In reviewing the CoGP, efforts have been made to maintain the format and many ofthe conventions of the original edion, with which fish farmers have become familiar. However, based on experience, some changes in structure and presentation have been introduced. These allow the CoGP to be more easily modified and updated in response to new legislation or other developments which will make changes necessary overtime, In this connection, the following features are emphasised. +The original edition ofthe CoGP was produced in hard bound format, consisting of a Foreword, 6 main sections and 14 Annexes: Annex 9 provided location maps of all the agreed Farm Management Areas (FMA) in Scotland. + This new edition of the CoGP has been produced in electronic format, consisting of POF files which willbe available as downloads from a ‘website which wil be hosted by the SSPO (www scotishsalmon,co.us), which provides the Secrelarat for the CoGP Management Group. Future updates will be identified using @ system of coding and dating to ensure that all users canal ways have an up-to-date version of the CoGP to hand + The new edition ofthe CoGP consists of 3 separate parts - the main sections of he text the Annexes; and the Farm Management Area (FMA) maps. This new arrangement allows greater flexibly in the updating of each part of the CoGP and each revision of each part will be coded and dated, + The new esition ofthe CoGP contains significant new and additional material, which has been included within the body of the main sections ofthe tox, and, in some cases, earlier material has been condensed and the document restructured to assist wit presentation and flow of information Using the CoGP “The conventions inthis new edition ofthe CoGP follow those ofthe original edion. In his regard it shouldbe noted that +A Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations used within the CoGP is set outin Annex 2. + General statements of principle are presented as statements in plain, non-bold text. These principles are to be considered by all farmers, but are not designed to be auditable, + Specific requirements ofthe CoGP are provided as uniquely numbered points in bold toxt, + The terms: “Must, “Should, and “Recommend” are adopted and have specific meanings in terms of aul ‘© Where a provision of the CoGP is expressed using the word "must", itis @ reminder ofan existing legal obligation. All farmers are required to be compliant with legal requirements as a matter of course, as well as in meeting the requirements of the CoGP. ‘9 Where a provision of the CoGP is expressed using the word “should”, farmers are obliged to meet this to remain compliant withthe requirements of he CoGP. © Where a provision of the CoGP is expressed using the word “recommend, the "recommendation" remains an auditable goal towards which farmers should strive, recognising that it may notbe achievable under all circumstances because of the constraints or details ofthe existing production systems orlocal conditions, + The CoGP contains more than 460 compliance points setting out good practice on different topics, although not all ofthese will apply to a given fish farm. Over 80% of these compliance points use the terminology ‘should’, clearly reflecting the fact that the CoGP extends well beyond simple legal compliance. + The CoGP assumes an existing standard of knowledge of he detail surrounding each of he areas set out in the text, and therefore provides only short, essential introductory statements in the main-body text. In key areas, necessary amplification ofthe topics andior relevant supporting material is provided in the Annexes, Should any further guidance be required, this may be obtained through the CoGP Management Group, + The CoGP covers al finfish aquaculture species, grown ina variety of systems, but not all compliance points will apply to all species and all systems. Compliance auditing procedures are adjusted accordingly fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sresons sectish Saman- The Coe of Gad Practice Industry Adoption of the CoGP Itis the intention that the CoGP be adopted by every finish farmer operating in Scotland. Atthe presenttime, over 95% of Scotish salmon production is undertaken by farmers who have adopted the CoGP and who are independently audited. Approximately 90% of Scottish table trout production is undertaken by farmers who are registered and audited under an analogous scheme based on key CoGP components. The objective remains to have every finfish aquaculture farm in Scotland operating in accordance with CoGP principles and standards. Ultimately, the value ofthe CoGP relies on the independent verification offarm compliance. Independent audiing of farms is thus essential in the implementation of the CoGP. While the CoGP Management Group acts as the Standard Setting Body responsible for the preparation ofthe code and its review, revision and updating, verifcation of compliance is the responsiality of nominated independent UKAS-accredited Centiication Bodies and associated independent Inspection Services. Arrangements involving independent UKAS accredited certification and audit comprise: + the appointment ofindependent UKAS-approved Inspection Services who are responsible for carrying out aucits of farms and farming systems provisions of the CoGP; «the appointment ofan independent UKAS-approved Certiicaton Body thats responsible for ensuring parity between dferentinspecton Services, coordinating farm audits, feporing on ther outcomes, and specifying remedial or other action which may be necessary and the time frames within which this is required. Reporting Industry Performance From 2006 to 2009, he CoGP Management Group reported on the implementation ofthe CoGP through the MWGA. Under revises arrangements, reporting on the CoGP is nat a formal function ofthe new MGA, but the CoGP Management Group, in collaboration with the main industy representative bodies, will continue to ensure that reports on CoGP implementation remain accessible. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html arse-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice AMENDMENT CONTROL ‘The CoGP Lubject to review from time to time to confirm its accuracy and relevance to current practice {All companies participating in the Code will be advised of changes as they occur. The version of the Code accessible on ww thecodeofgoodpractice.co.uk Is current and includes all material updates as listed below. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html m9sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice "AMENDMENT DATE SECTION Nos Topic 2/014 3.10.1 -3.106-Wrasse rons 52.98-529.14-Seale ann 4.9.0 - Freshwater Containment (new section) ann 4.9.1 - Seawater Containment fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html araesrow2015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 1. INTRODUCTION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES “Our Shared Vision: Scotland should have sustainable, growing, diverse, market-ed and profitable farmed fish and shellfish industries, which promote best practice and provide significant economic and social benefits for thelr people, while respecting the marine and freshwater environment. The industries will contribute to the overall vision for Scotland's marine environment of “clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse seas managed to meet the long-term neods of nature and people”. From: A Fresh Start: The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009) 1.1 Introduction ‘This CoGP incorporates the atest scientific and technical information and developments from within the industy Italso draws on the important work that has already been undertaken in developing other earlier Codes of Practice. These include: A Code of Pracice to Avoid and Minimise the Impact of Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA); The Shelland Salmon Farmers Association Code of Best Practice; the British Trout Association Code of Practice; the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers Code of Conduct the Scottish Saimon Growers Association's Code of Practice on Salmon Farming and Predatory Wildlife; and the Code of Practice on Containment (see list Annex 3) ‘This CoGP covers all phases of fn fish farming from hatchery to primary processing (where this is appropriate in the context ofthe sections which follow) and should be adopted by al farmers. Fish farming in Scotland is already subject to extensive statutory regulation. This regulation encompasses each stage in the fish farming process, rom the inal planning and approval of fish farm site, through tothe fine detail of day to day fish farming operations, including the safeguarding of fish health, the protection of the marine and fresh water environments and the avoidance of adverse impacts on habitats and wildlife. This CoGP acknowledges the existence of regulatory requirements, ard builds on these. The resulting approach is comprehensive, high-quality, and strongly based on the management of risk. It embraces the principlos of auditable standards, including relevant BS EN standards. 1.2 Gui ‘The CoGP for Scotish Fin fish Aquaculture sets out the responsibiliies ofthe farmer in dealing with the fish under his or her care; in managing the environment in which he or she operates; and in producing high quality food forthe consumer. Itrequires individuals, farmers and organisations involved in the industry to do the following: ing Principles + Plan and operate aquaculture sites in compliance with all appropriate Scotish, UK and European legislation. + Plan, develop and manage aquaculture sites in a manner that ensures the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the operation, + Consult and collaborate with Scottish, UK and European authoriles and relevant stakeholders in the development and implementation of future policies, practices and regulations to enhance the achievement of economic, environmental and social sustainability of the aquaculture production sector. + Operate fish farms in @ manner that ensures the highest standards of fish health ‘+ Operate fish farms in @ manner that provides the fish with conditions that are consistent with tre best available advice on welfare. + Co-operate with, and paricipate in, appropriate research, technological development and taining activites focused on enhancement ofthe economic, social and environmental sustainability of aquaculture. Furthermore, it seeks to advance the following objectives, + Farmers, Government, regulators and other stakeholders should work together to ensure that Scotland produces its share of the growing market for aquaculture species. + Farmers, Government, regulators, investors and other stakeholders should work together to promote growth in production under the sustainabilty erteria outlined in the Fresh Star: the Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture, since they understand that further sustainable growth is desirable, + Farmers should be aware of their role and responsibilty in te seafood chain, which includes manufacturers, processors, ransporters, retailers and consumers. + In order to facilitate informed dialogue between farmers, Government and other stakeholders, all Scottish farmers are encouraged to be affliated to an appropriate representative organisation. + Individual farmers should take responsiblity fr the overall public perception ofthe aquaculture industy in Scotland and foster positive relationships with others fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html anae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice + Where appropriate, farmars should contibute tothe activiies oftheir local communities. 1.3 Management Comi 134 ment and Continuous Improvement Companies should demonstrate a commitment to the requirements of the CoGP through the provision of evidence that adequate resources are being provided, that communication within the company is effective, that systems of documentation are being appropriately reviewed, and that corrective action and continuous improvement are being effectively implemented. 132 ‘Systems for management of compliance with the CoGP should be reviewed at planned intervals, at least annually. 1.4 Documentation Control 144 Documents, records and other information relevant to the management of aquaculture operations should be held and effectively controlled. In particular: 1444 All documents should be the current version and be properly authorised. 1412 All documents should be clearly written, contain sufficient detail for the purpose and be readily accessible to relevant personnel. 1443 Reasons for amendments to, and replacement of, documents must be recorded. 1444 Proper account must be taken of legal requirements relating to the completion and retention of documentation. 1445 Documents required by law must be retained for an appropriate time and be available for inspection by officials and others entitled to have access. 1446 Other documents should be retained for an appropriate time and be available for inspection. 1.5 Training 154 Training should be an integral part of the operation of all finfish aquaculture businesses, with programmes and plans relevant to the various activities being documented 182 Documented evidence of training of individuals in relevant areas should be maintained. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sane-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 1.6 Health and Safety Health and safety of aquaculture staff and vistors to fin sh farms is of paramount importance tothe industry and to the wider community Practices that ensure health and safety are generally a matter of statute. However, withthe high level of importance attached to health and safety in aquaculture operations, reference to existing and emerging guidance and associated documentation should be sought through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and local Environmental Health Departments. 161 Farmers must meet regulatory requirements relating to health and safety. 16.2 Farmers should remain up to date with, and collaborate in, new in safety. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html nse‘m6 ‘Scatish Salmon The Code of Go Practice 2 FOOD SAFETY AND CONSUMER ASSURANCE “Aquaculture has an important contribution to make in delivering a National Food and Drink Policy. This will promote Scotland's sustainable economic growth by ensuring the focus of all food and drink-related activity by Government offers quality, health, well being and sustainability, whilst recognising the need for access to affordable food forall.” From: A Fresh Start: The renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009) “The primary goal of n fish aquaculture isto produce high quality food for human consumption. This CoGP is designed to represent good practice and to reflect the highest standards in food production. ‘As food businesses, aquaculture producers must be registered with the competent authority and must meet the requirements of relevant food legislation (see Annex 4) Furthermore, industry is committed to sustainable growth, minimising the environmental impact of farming activites and ensuring the responsible sourcing of feed. 2.1 Food Safety Plans Based on HACCP Principles HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Contral Point) isa step by step approach to managing food safety risks. tis not currently a legal requiremant {or primary production activites to operate a full HACCP system; however, an approach based on HACCP principles is required and adoption of HACCP methodology is advised, 2aa Allfarms must adopt a systematic approach to safeguard food safety based on HACCP principles Where a HACCP is formally adopted, the following should apply. 242 Food safety plans should be based on Codex Alimentarius HACCP principles. 243 HACCP plans should be developed by a multi-disciplinary HACCP team. 244 It should be possible to demonstrate that the team members have specific knowledge of HACCP principles and relevant knowledge of the production process. 245 Senior management should demonstrate commitment to, and support for, the HACCP team. 246 HACCP plans should comply with the 12 steps of the requirements of Codex Alimentarius (see Annex 5). 2a7 HACCP plans should consider all potential food safety hazards, including chemical, microbiological and physical hazards not controlled by existing provisions. 2.2 Use of Licensed and Approved Treatments ‘The use of authorised veterinary medicines and other treatments to protect fish health and welfare is a proper and legitimate aspect of fish husbandry In all cases, veterinary medicines and other weatments must be Used in such a way as o minimise the risk of unacceptable residues in fish atthe point of harvest ‘The distribution categories covering all UK veterinary medicinal products are detailed in Chapter 3 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html ane-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 224 European and UK legislation must be observed when applying treatments in fish which may enter the human food chain (see Annex 4). 222 Veterinary medicines must be used prudently under the conditions set out in the data sheet and/or as advised by the veterinary surgeon. 22.3 Details of all treatments used should be covered in written Control Procedures. Written Control Procedures 22.34 The involvement of the nominated veterinary surgeon; 22.32 The justification for the use of the treatment; 2233 The nature of treatment used; 22.34 The circumstances under which fish are treated; 2235 Official controls on the use of the treatment including, as appropriate, Controlled Activity Regulations (CAR) licence conditions; 22.36 Measures in place to prevent unacceptable residues remaining in the edible tissues when the fish enters the human food chain. Full records of the use of licensed and approved treatments must be maintained for a period appropriate to the treatment. 22.5 Relevant information contained in these records must be made available to the competent authority on request. 2.3 Freedom from Unacceptable Residues of Veterinary Medicines and Treatments All farms producing salmonids for human consumption are currently tasted for residues of veterinary medicines under the terms of The ‘Animals and Animal Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) Regulations 1997, As the production of other species Increases, these wil also be included in the sampling programme. 234 Farmers should be able to demonstrate that fish harvested for human consumption are free from unacceptable residues of veterinary medicines and treatments used during the course of their production fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T 20 ode%200%.20Go00%20PractclHtml raise-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 232 Farmers must maintain records of the use of all medicines and treatments. 233 Farmers must maintain records which demonstrate that the treatment used has been observed. um withdrawal period for each med 234 Farmers should maintain records of the results of residue testing carried out on thelr fish. 23.5 Farmers must have adequate measures in place to take account of the results of any medicine residues analyses that may be of significance to human health. 2.4 Unacceptable Residues of Environmental Contaminants Feed is one route through which residues of environmental contaminants may arise in fish. Farmers must be able to demonstrate thatboth the foed used by them and the fish harvested by them for human consumption meet the requirements of the UK and European legislation defining maximum permissible levels of specified environmental contaminants. European legislation contains @ numiber of provisions aimed at Improving feed safety and includes taceabilly measures designed to ensure that. in the case of a feed contamination incident, feeds can be easily vaced and recalled ifnecessary 244 Feed should be sourced from suppliers who participate in the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) (see www.agindustries.org.uk), of, where this is not the case, farmers should obtain and hold on file written confirmation from their feed supplier that the feed supplied meets the requirements of UK and European legislation. 242 Farmers should participate In testing programmes for environmental contaminants (either individually or collectively through trade or independent inspection bodies). 24a Farmers should maintain records of the results of testing for environmental contaminants. 24a Farmers must maintain records on the nature and origin of feed fed to fish. 2.5 Freedom from Unacceptable Microbiological Contamination ‘Aide variety of micro-organisms present naturally in or on fish present no threat to consumer safety. Some pathogens can occur under certain circumstances which have the potential to give rise to risks to consumer health, Such risks can be eliminated or minimised by observing the fllowing provisions. 254 Farmers must demonstrate high standards of good management practice, adopting hygienic practices at all stages of handling, harvesting, transport and primary processing of fish. 252 Farmers must maintain documentation and records relating to hygienic practices. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sansa-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 253 Farmers must maintain records of temperature control for fish throughout harvesting and transport. 254 Farmers should have in place measures to take account of the results of microbiological analysis of samples taken from fish (or other relevant samples) that are of significance to human health. Fish Feed 2.6 By-Products from Terrestrial Animals and Recycled Farmed Fish 264 Allof the ingredients used in the production of farmed fish for human consumption must comply with current EU and UK legislation. 2.7 Carotenoid Pigments [Anumber of carotenoid pigments are approved under EU and UK legislation for se in feed fo slmonid fish 274 Farmers should obtain written assurances from their feed suppliers that the levels of carotenoids present wit feeds supplied meet legal requirements. 2.8 Traceability to Farm and Enclosure of Origin Farmers are required under European and UK legislation to have systems and procedures in place to identity the suppliers of stock, maintain ‘raceabiliy throughout production and identify other businesses that they have supplied. Farmers have developed and maintain systems for fish that exceed the requirements ofthe legislation, Le. one up one down traceability, and ensure full aceabilty of fish batches throughout the ‘whole production chain. 284 Farmers should, therefore: 2eaa Identify the suppliers of eggs, fish, etc. going Into their production processes; 2012 Maintain traceability throughout production processes; 2a43 Identify the businesses to which products have been supplied; 2a14 Maintain traceability records and ensure that such information is made available to the competent authorities on demand 2.9 Flesh Quality and Nutritional Benefits ‘The Food Standards Agency advises that people should be eating at east two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish. However, few people eat enough fish. Oily fish is particularly rich in essential Omega-3 fatly acids, Farmers should ensure that fish are produced to an agroed standard which ensures filness for purpose for their customers and consumers. Oi Fich fsh such as salmon and trout should constitute a valuable source of essential Omega-3 fat acids, fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html see-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 29a It is recommended that farmers participate in testing for important quality characteristics, notably Omega-3 fatty acids in the case of salmonid species. 292 Where such testing takes place, farmers should maintain records of test fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html‘m6 ‘Scatish Salmon The Code of Go Practice 3 FISH HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY 3.1 Introduction Since its inception some 40 years ago, the development of fish farming in Scotland has been accompanied by an increasingly comprehensive and rigorous regulatory system. Notable within this isthe regulation of many diferent aspects of farmed fish health and welfare. While early regulation of sh health in Scotland revolved largely around UK statute, more recently the development and implementation of European law, including the Aquatic Animal Health Directive and associated EU, UK and Scotish legislation, has taken precedence (see Annex 6 ). This has brought much greater focus on the use of risk analysis and assessment in decision making, and this principles fully reflected within the CocP. As with other forms of statutory regulation, EU, UK and Scottish legislation broadly underpins the good practice routinely followed on fish farms. Operators witrin te Scotish fin fish aquaculture industy have extensive collectve pracical experience in managing challenges to the health of their fish, and have committed to encapsulating good practice into this CeGP. Application ofthe provisions of the CoGP is, of course, over and above the requirements ofthe law. Since the tur of he millennium, industy has gathered considerable experience of proactive fish health management, this being formalised through the development and application of a number of voluntary codes. These include the Code of Practice fo Avoid and Minimise the Impact of Infectious Salmon Anaemia (2002) and, since 2008, the various provisions of the CoGP.. This new iteration ofthe CoGP bullds on this experience, focusing on standards for good practic in fish health management and biosecurity alongside the use of tied, ested and proven technology. ‘There is already a high level of awareness on the part of farmers and industy regulators of the potential for newly identified and exotic pathogens to appear in Scotish waters and of the potential for global climate change, increasing sea surface temperatures, to exacerbate fish health issues. Notwithstanding, there is increasing confidence thatthe provisions of this new version of the CoGP will make a significant further contribution towards reducing risks to farmed fish posed by fisn pathogens. 3.2 Key Principles of Fish Health and Bio security Management 324 Companies should have a Veterinary Health Plan (VHP) and Bio security Plan (BP) for their farming operations, covering the relevant aspects set out in Annex 7. 322 VHPs and BPs should be reviewed at the end of each production cycle. 32.3 All staff engaged in the production of fish should be familiar with the relevant aspects of the VHP and BP. 324 Companies should have written procedures to ensure that production staff notify company management immediately when disease is suspected, where abnormal behaviour is evident, or where morbidity or mortality levels are unusually high or subject to rapid increase. 325 Persons with fish under their care must notify Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Fish Health Inspectorate (or CEFAS where a farm is located in England or Wales) of the presence or suspicion of listed or notifiable diseases. 326 Dead fish should be removed from the fish holding enclosure as soon as possible. aa7 At all stages, the number of dead fish must be recorded, along with, where possible, a record of the cause of death. fest AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20Th 20 ode%2000%.20Go00%20PractcHtml ame-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 328 Where a notifiable disease is present on a site and movement restrictions are in place, farmers must seek and obtain permission to remove dead fish from the site from MSS, 329 Where the level of fish mortality exceeds the threshold(s) agreed by the MGA Healthier Fish and Shellfish Working Group, this must be notified to Marine Scotland. 3.2.10 The veterinary surgeon that has the fish under 32.41 ‘Subject to safe operating conditions, in the event of a disease outbreak, dead fish should be removed daily. 3212 Dead fish must be handled and disposed of in a manner that minimises the risk of spread of disease and in accordance with statutory requirements. 3213 Fish farm personnel and visitors to fish farms should be made aware of the role they play in minimising the risk of disease transmission, following good hygiene practice and procedures. Good hygiene practice includes within its scope the conduct and hygiene of persons concerned, their personal clothing, personal protective equipment and other equipment used by them on site. 3244 Risk assessments should be conducted by trained personnel experienced in the appropriate methodology (see Annex 8). 3.2.15 The outcome of risk assessments should be communicated to the relevant production personnel and other members of personnel responsible for implementation of the outcomes. 3.2.16 Farmers should reduce any risk to fish health associated with the presence of wild birds, mammalian predators and vermin by ensuring the secure storage of feed, good feeding practice and the secure temporary storage of dead fish. 3.3 Production of Juvenile Fish 334 Broodstock sites Broodstock sites may hold mutiple year classes of fsh and this CoGP recognises that there is a distinction between such sites and production arms in terms ofthe level of risk associated with their operation, 3344 Strict biosecurity procedures, as defined in the farm’s VHP and BP, should be followed at all times. 3342 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html raise-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice New pen or marine-linked land-based broodstock sites established in 2010 or later should be located more than two tidal excursions away from any production farms. If, through an appropriate risk assessment (which gives due consideration to relevant hydrodynamic information), it can be shown that the risk of spread of pathogens is satisfactorily low, and all farmers within the Farm Management Area (FMA; see Section 3.5) agree, the establishment of such a site within two tidal excursions may be acceptable. 3313 All new production farms should be located at least two tidal excursions from existing broodstock sites. 3344 Where whole fish or parts of fish are to be used to feed broodstock, they should be pasteurised, irradiated or otherwise processed to ensure that they are microbiologically safe. 33.2 Broodstock origin ‘The importation of sh to be used as broadstock from other countries is subject to EU, UK and Scotish fish health legislation. Farmed broodstock 33.24 Proposals to import broodstock should be underpinned by a documented risk assessment. 3322 Fish should only be imported if the outcome of the documented risk assessment is satisfactory. 3323 Farmers must obtain appropriate certification to show that stock to be imported is free from pathogens of listed diseases relevant to the species concemed and to other susceptible species. 3324 Farmers should obtain appropriate certification to show that stock to be imported is free from pathogens, other than those for listed diseases, relevant to the species concerned and to other susceptible species. 3328 All imported broodstock should be held in quarantine in a land-based site with appropriate offiuent disinfection (t shouldbe noted that some effuent disinfection measures may requre CAR 3326 The health of fish should be monitored for a period not less than 3 months. 3327 White imported fish are being held in quarantine, testing for listed, notifiable and other potentially serious diseases should be carried out on all dead fish and any fish showing signs of morbidity. After 3 months, quarantine conditions may only be relaxed if the results of such tests are negative. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rane-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 3328 Movements of live broodstock and their gametes should only take place on the basis of a satisfactory outcome of a documented risk assessment. 3329 Where official movement restrictions are in place, permission must be obtained from the competent authority (Marine Scotland/DEFRA) before any movement can take place. Broodstock from the wild 332.40 Wild-caught marine fish for aquaculture must be held in quarantine under conditions and for a period established by the competent authority. 33241 While wild-caught marine fish are being held in quarantine, testing for listed, notifiable and other potentially serious diseases should be undertaken on all dead fish and fish that show signs of morbidity. Non-native species 33242 A licence must be obtained from the competent authority if non-native fish spe imported into the UK. Transgenies 33243 Transgenic finfish should not be used aaa Stripping and the production of gametes Itis good practice to ensure that appropriate testing of broodstock and their progeny for vertically transmitted diseases is carried out 3334 Where health testing of broodstock ©. where non-destructive testing methods are available, or where fish are to be culled at the time of stripping), farmers should identify serious vertically transmissible pathogens of the species concemed and: + Test all of the stripped fish, either individually or in pools; + Hold the gametes under bio secure conditions while tests are conducted; + If test results are positive, destroy the gametes/cull progeny emanating from infected fish. 3332 Where testing of broodstock is not feasible (i.e. where non-destructive test methods are not available for marine fin fish species which spawn repeatedly throughout their lifespan) farmers should identify serious vertically transmissible pathogens of the species concerned and: + Test at least 150 of the progeny derived from each batch of eggs; + Maintain batches of fish under bio secure conditions w! + Iftest results are positive, cull the infected batches of fish. conducted; fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 2aiae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 3333 When broodstock are being stripped: + Contamination of eggs and milt with urine, faeces and blood should be avoided; + Eggs should be disinfected using an appropriate disinfectant applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 3334 With respect to personnel, clothing, personal protective equipment and other equipment, strict, protocols and high standards of hygiene should be applied at each stage of the stripping and fertilisation process. 3335 To maintain bio security and prevent the spread of pathogens, broodstock and juveniles should be physically separated, 3336 Trout broodstock which have been reared in seawater should be stripped on the seawater site and only disinfected fertilised trout eggs transferred to freshwater. 334 Importation of fish gametes and fertilised eggs Itis acknowledged that risks to fish health associated with the movement of gametes and fertilised eggs are considerably lower than risks associated with the movement of ve fish 3344 Companies proposing to import eggs from overseas should visit the sites on which the eggs are produced and audit the procedures being followed on these sites to satisfy themselves that good practice is being followed. 3342 Proposals to import gametes and fertilised eggs should be underpinned by a documented risk assessment. 3343 Importation should only take place if the outcome of the risk assessment is satisfactory (see Annex 8). 3344 All movements of gametes and ferti EU, UK and Scottish legislation. jed eggs into Scotland must be certi 3345 Eggs should only be imported from certified disease-free sources 3346 In all cases, written evidence should be provided that eggs have been properly disinfected fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html aanae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 3347 Water and packaging which has come into contact with imported eggs should be properly disinfected and disposed of by an approved method. 335 Importation of live marine fin fish ‘The importation of live fish from other countries is subject to EU, UK and Scotish fish health legislation, 33.54 All consignments of live marine fin fish destined for import into Scotland must be fully certified in accordance with relevant EU, UK and Scottish legislation. 3352 Companies proposing to import live marine fin fish from outwith the UK should visit the sites on which the fish are being produced and audit the procedures in operation to satisfy themselves that being followed. Proposals to import live marine finfish should be underpinned by documented risk assessment (see Annex 8). 3354 Fish should only be imported if the outcome of the risk assessment is satisfactory. 3355 Farmers should obtain appropriate certification to show that any live marine finfish to be imported are free from pathogens relevant to the species concerned and to other susceptible species. 3356 All imported marine finfish should be held in quarantine in a land-based site with appropriate effluent disinfection where their health should be monitored for a period not less than 3 months. (It should be noted that some offluent disinfection measures may require a CAR consent). 3357 While imported marine finfish are being held in quarantine, testing for listed, notifiable and other potentially serious di morbidity. ases should be carried out on all dead fish and any fish showing signs of 3358 After 3 months, quarantine conditions should only be relaxed if the results of tests carried out are negative. 3359 All imported marine finfish should be certified as only having been treated with medicines that are licensed in accordance with European legislation. 336 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html zane-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Importation of live salmonids Regulatory requirements are in place in respect of importation oflive fish (Including lve salmonids) from outwith the UK. 3364 All prospective consignments must meet current regulatory requirements with regard to fish health before they may be imported. 33.62 Companies proposing to import live salmonids from overseas should visit the sites on which the fish are being produced and audit the procedures in operation to satisfy themselves that good practice is being followed. 3363 Proposals to import live salmonids should be underpinned by documented risk assessments prepared by the importing company. 364 A decision to import should only be taken if the outcome of the risk assessment is satisfactory. 3365 Risk assessments should take into account the potential to introduce Gyrodactylus salaris. 33.66 Farmers should obtain, and hold on record, appropriate certi salmonids to be imported are free from pathogens, ation to demonstrate that any 33.67 Farmers should hold records to demonstrate that salmo! where this is appropriate. is tobe imported have been vaci 3368 Live salmonids imported from approved zones or compartments in countries of lower health status, as defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health(OIE, www.cie.int), including Norway and third countries, should be held in quarantine in secure land-based facilities with appropriate effluent disinfection, for a period of no less than 3 months, during which time their health should be monitored, 33.69 During the time that such imported salmonids are being held in quarantine, testing for listed, notifiable and other potentially serious diseases should be carried out on all dead fish and any fish showing signs of morbidity. 336.10 Quarantine conditions may only be lifted and fish positively released where test results are negative. 33.641 Where fish cannot be positively released, measures to deal with the fish should be in accordance fess AUsersiMaredDesitop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T ei 20C odo%2000%.20Go00%20Practce Html 2ariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice with OIE guidance. 33.6.2 Following importation, movements of imported live salmonids should only take place on the basis of a satisfactory outcome from a documented risk assessment (see Annex 8). 33.6413, Where official movement restrictions are in place, permission must be obtained from the competent authority (Marine Scotland/DEFRA) before any movement can take place. 337 Site disinfection Fallowing, a process during which sites are left clear of fish at the end ofa production period, has recognised benefits within strategies designed fo optimise the health of farmed fish 33.74 Pens, nets, tanks, equipment, etc., should be cleaned and disinfected when empty. 3372 Disinfection should be conducted to a level to inactivate pathogens considered to pose significant risk (see Annex 9). 3.4 On growing Fish health and biosecurity are key considerations both in the management of individual freshwater farms and marine farms and also across ‘marine FMAs which may be shared by several farm units (see Section 3.5). 344 General provisions 34aa Itis recommended that pen sites should contain only one commercial species. 3442 As far as Is reasonably practicable within marine FMAs, personnel, equipment, and personal protective equipment should be company specific. 3443 As far as is reasonably practicable in freshwater on growing areas, personnel, equipment and personal protective equipment should be 3444 Where movement between marine FMAs is unavoidable, cleaning and disinfection should,as far as is reasonably practicable, be in accordance with the standard disinfection protocols (see Annex 9). 3445 Where movement between freshwater on growing areas is unavoidable, cleaning and disinfection should, as far as is reasonably practicable, be in accordance with the Standard Disinfection fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 2ariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Protocols (see Annex 9). 3416 Effluent should be disposed of in accordance with advice from SEPA (or the corresponding competent authority). 3447 Helicopter buckets, vehicles and road transport equipment used for fish transfer should be disinfected, as required, according to the recommended practice (see Annex 9). 3418 Documented evidence of disinfection should be obtained from the transport company. 342 Wellboats (and other vessels used to transport live fish) ‘Wellboat sare custom designed and constructed vessels which are now used routinely fora variety of tasks essential tothe effcientrunning of salmon farms. Wellboats are used to transfer smolts to sea water sits atthe beginning of the marine production phase, to grads fish, to transfer fsh between sea water sites, to transport fsh for harvest atthe end ofthe production cycle ang, sometimes.o carry out bath treatments for sea lice as an alternative to treatmentin pens using full enclosure tarpaulins. From time to Ume, other vessels may also be used to transport live fish, ‘The use of wellboats and other vessels to deliver fish to, and collect fish from, multiple sites can presenta risk of pathogen transmission. Risks are often considerably lower where fish movements are within defined FMAs (see Section3.5) established for sea lice management, disease contral and biosecurity purposes when compared with movements between different management areas. Risks associated with the delivery of, {ish to multe unstocked and fallowed sitesin different management areas are also relatively low. |Where the risk of pathogen spread is deemed to be low, ish movements may take place,subjectto official movement restricions which may be In force, and due consideration of any Farm Management Agreement (FMAg: see Section 3.5) slocking and fallowing policies and strategies which have been agreed, Itis the joint responsibilty of those supplying and receiving fish to ensure that tie fish are in good health and physical condition when they are transferred on to farms. General provisions 3424 Wellboats should be operated and audited in accordance with the provisions of Annex 10. 3422 Evidence of disinfection appropriate to the type of operation for which the wellboat is used should be obtained from the company operating the wellboat and held on record (see Annex 10). 3423 Wellboats should be designed and constructed so as not to cause contamination of fish contained within them, 3424 Surfaces coming into contact with the fish should be made of corrosion-resistant material that is smooth and easy to clean and disinfect, 3425 Surface coatings should be non-toxic. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Sam on%s20-%20T ei 20C ode%200%.20Go00%20PractcHtml 2siae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Stocking with smolts 3426 Decisions to stock marine pens with smolts should be based on a satisfactory outcome froma documented risk assessment. 3427 ‘Smolts should receive a general health check on the day of loading into a wellboat and be in good health when loaded. 3428 During wellboat transport, all efforts should be made to ensure factors likely to stress fish are minimised, 3429 Smolts should b in good physical condition when transferred into pens. 342.10 The number of different sources of smolts used to stock marine pens should be kept to a minimum, Movements within FWAS 3421 Where a single farming company occupies an FMA, movements of fish within that management area are acceptable. 34242 Where more than one company occupies an FMA and a single year class of fish Is stocked within it, movements within the area should be subject to agreement between the companies occupying the area, 3.42.43, There is an increased level of risk in FMAs where more than one company operates and/or more than one year class is present andlor different finfish species are being farmed, In such cases, all movements within the FMA should be subject to a satisfactory outcome from a documented risk assessment and the agreement of all the companies operating within that area. 34214 Where the source or destination of the fish is subject to official movement controls, permission must be granted by Marine Scotland before any movement takes place. 34245 Applications must be submitted, along with the required risk assessment, to the Fish Health advance of the proposed fish movement. Fish should receive a general health check on the day of loading into a wellboat and be in good health when loaded. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html arise-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 34247 During wellboat transport, all efforts should be made to ensure factors likely to stress fish are minimised, 342.48 Fish should be in good physical condition when transferred into pens. 342.49 The number of different sources of fish used to stock marine pens should be kept to a minimum. Movements botwoon FMAS 342.20 All acti ‘h wellboats are used to transport fish between FMAs should be subject to documented risk assessment. 34.221 Risk assessments should take account of the type of activity and type of vessel (particularly whether it is open or closed valve) and the degree of risk associated with it, particularly where the intention is that: + awellboat will deliver fish to one or more new or fallow sites in one FMA, and will then go on to deliver fish to a site or sites in another FMA; + awellboat will deliver fish to a site already containing fish, and will then go on to deliver fish to a site or sites in another FMA; + awellboat will collect fish from a site or sites within one FMA, and then go on to collect fish from a site or sites within another FMA. 34.222 Fish should only be moved between FMAs when the outcome from the documented risk assessments saisfactory 3.4.2.23, Where the outcome of a documented risk assessment is satisfactory, fish movements between FMAs should take place with the written agreement of other finfish farmers wi which the fish are to be moved. 34224 Where the same farming company is the sole operator in two different FMAs, it is acceptable for this company to move fish from one area to another fallow area provided an appropriate risk assessment has been completed. 34225 Where the source or destination of the fish is subject to official movement controls, permission must be granted by MS before any movement takes place. 34226 Applications must be submitted, along with the required risk assessment, to the Fish Health Inspection Service of MSS at least 14 days in advance of the proposed fish movement. 34227 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html amiae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Fish should receive a general health check on the day of loading into a wellboat and be in good health when loaded. 34228 During wellboat transport, all efforts should be made to ensure factors likely to stress fish are minimised, 34229 Fish should be in good physical condition when transferred into pens. 34230 The number of different sources of fish used to stock marine pens should be kept to a imum. 34.231 Movements from more than one farm management area into a single management area should only occur for broodstock or harvesting purposes, as outlined below. Broodstock 34232 Where live fish are to be moved into a seawater broodstock farm from another seawater farm, the seawater broodstock farm should be at least two tidal excursions from any other farm, harvesting station or processing plant. 34233, Broodstock should be inspected daily by suitably qualified and experienced persons, with health checks being appropriate to species and potential health issues. 34.234 Fish placed on broodstock sites should not leave these sites for on growing elsewhere. 34235 Where it is proposed to move salmon broodstock from seawater to freshwater, this should be based on a satisfactory outcome from a documented risk assessment. 342.36 Permission to move salmon broodstock from seawater to freshwater must be obtained where there are official movement restrictions in force. Harvest 34237 Live fish should not be moved into holding pens situated adjacent to a processing plant or harvest, station. It is acceptable to hold fish in tanks where the effluent from the tanks is disinfected. 34.238 The use of transport pens for moving fish from farm to harvest station should be limited to the transport of fish through safe water over short distances and within a single FMA. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html arte-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 34239 Fish should not be transported from a harvest station to a production site. Processing 34.240 If any fish processing operation takes place on board a wellboat, the operator must meet the requirements of relevant food safety legislation. 34241 If any fish processing operations take place on board a wellboat these should also be In accordance with relevant provisions of the VHP and BP. 343 Sea Lice Itis @ legal requirement to maintain specifc records in relation to sea lice, The record keeping requirement set out in law is based upon the provisions ofthis CoGP. Farmers should follow A National Treatment Strategy forthe Control of Sea Lice on Scottish Salmon Farms (NTS). The standards associated with this are set outbelow and the strategy is presented in full n Annex 14 3434 Each company operating within each area should : i) Nominate a person to actas the point of contact Ii) Provide a writen undertaking that their farm(s) will observe the provisions of the NTS; li Form an area group, including appropriate veterinary involvement, whose role is lo a) agree the basis for monitoring lice on farms, based on the guidance set out below; b) agree the basis for reatments carried outin cooperation with paricipating farms; and ¢) oversee and coordinate monitoring and treatment. 3.4.3.2 Each company must count lice numbers on the fish held on its farm(s). ‘The undemoted sets outa suggested monitoring protocol based on scientific and statistical advice (Sampling Strategies for Estimating Sea Lice Levels on Farmed Atlantic Salmon; Fryer Revie & Gettinby, personal communication). i) Pens and fish should be sampled at random. li) Personnel carrying out ice counts should have appropriate training in lice recognition and recording, and demonstrate post- training competence. li Where there are more than fve pens per site, five fish shoul be sampled from each offive pens to give a total of25 fish, |v) Where a site contains less than five pene all pens should be sampled to give a total of 25 fish. A similar number offish should be selected from each pen. \V)Fish should be netted from the cage and put straight into the anaesthotc. vi) Each life cycle stage of Lepeophtheinus salmonis should be counted in turn, .. adult females, mobiles, chalimus. All identifiable stages of Caligus elongatus should be grouped together. vil) After completing he lice counts on the fish from each pen, the tub containing the anaesthetic should be examined for sea lice which may have been shed from the fish and any lice found should be added to the total fess AUsersiMaredDesitop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20Th ei 20 ode%200%.20Go00%20Practce Html zaae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice vill) Tne name of the person carrying outthe counts, the date, the pen number and the water temperature ata depth appropriate to the depth ofthe pens used on the site should be recorded. 1x) Minimum recording requirements during sea lice counts ate L. salmonis chalimus, mobiles and adult females (with or without egg strings) plus al identifiable stages of C.elongatus grouped together. ‘Altemative defined and recorded sampling regimes are acceptable provided that they i) produce reproducible estimates of lice numbers on fish held on the farms; and i) that the results are periodically benchmarked against data gathered using the suggested protocol set out above. 3433 Weekly monitoring results should be communicated to other farmers within the defined area to facilitate coordinated sea lice management. 3434 In the event that lice numbers exceed the treatment threshold, this should be communicated to other farmers within the defined area as soon as reasonably possible. 3435 All companies within the SSPO should provide sea lice data and other information relevant to the management of sea lice to the SSPO at monthly intervals. 3436 ‘Suggested criteria for the treatment of sea lice on individual farm sites are: + An average of 0. adult female L. salmonis per fish during the period 1*t February to 30" June inclusive. + An average of 1.0 adult female L. salmonis per fish during the period 1% July to 31%¥January inclusive. 3437 Treatment for episodic C. efongatus infestations should be applied, as appropriate, to protect the welfare of farmed salmon. 3438 Treatments should be carried out promptly and in accordance with the principles of Integrated Sea Lice Management (ISLM) (see Annex 12) to maximise the effectiveness of the available medicines, promote the minimal use of medicines consistent with the maintenance of high standards of fish welfare and help preserve efficacy. 3439 Annual review meetings should be convened by FMA groups to evaluate the performance of the farms within the areas against the foregoing criteria. 343.40 For broodstock, particularly those reared in shore-based tanks where improved environmental control and direct observation of lice on fish is possible, lice numbers should be visually assessed weekly, 343.41 If visual inspection of broodstock indicates increasing numbers of lice, lice on individual fish should be counted as per the suggested protocol above and numbers recorded. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sanae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 343.42 Where appropriate, and based on veterinary advice, the fish should be treated. 34343 Personnel responsible for sea lice management should have received appropriate training; be able to demonstrate competence in lice identification, lice counting and reporting the results of counts; and also have knowledge of lice population dynamics and the symptoms of lice infestation 3.5 Area Management ‘Area definitions ‘Two main types of area are used by fish farmers and MSS Fish Health Inspectorate in relation to aspects of sh health and biosecurity management {Farm Management Areas (FMAs) describe defined areas in which farmers undertake farming activities at one ar more farm sites and plan {and synchronise production in order to reduce and manage risks posed by infectious agents and parasites which can be presenti the environment, n wild anc farmed fish, and in other naturally occurring biota. FMA policies wil, in some cases, focus mainly on stocking and production cycles, fallowing arrangements and sea lice management, while in others, they will relate to other issues which have a potential to affect fish health. In some places, an FMA may coincide with an area designated in relation to statutory controls over fish disease (see below). FMAs may be smaller than, identical to, or larger than Disease Management Areas (DMAS - see below). 2. Disease Management Areas (DMAs) describe areas that are designated by Marine Scotand for the purpose of statutory controls forthe management of fish diseases. They include areas defined in relation to the control of a range of listed diseases of fish. Notable examples are the control and surveillance zones, based on a tidal excursion model, established in elation to the management of Infectious Salmon ‘Anaemia (ISA). ito. seta gov uk opies/marinal eh Sheen Fmanagementagreement In addition to FMAs and DMAs, in some parts of Scotland Area Management Agreement (AMA) areas have been established in accordance with the principles established under a Tripartite Working Group (TWG) initiative. In these areas fish farming companies, owners of significant rivers and other relevant wild salmonid interests have established Area Management Groups (MGs) and have entered into AMAS. These have been designed to bring togethar farmed and wild salmonid interests to further promote common interests in the health of farmed and wild salmonids, In some cases, there may be a degree of overlap between AMA areas and one or more FMAS established for broader purposes, DMAs and AMA areas are outwith the scope of this CoGP which focuses on the FMAs for audit purposes. 354 Farm Management Areas, Farm Management Statements and Farm Management Agreements Farming activites within an FMA are covered by a documented Farm Management Statement(MS) or Farm Management Agreement (FMAg). ‘These documents are important both to CaGP Auditand to MSS Health Inspectorate inspections. The details ofa given FMS or FMAg willbe specific to the FMA to which itrelates and each willbe tailored to specific circumstances. Farm Management Areas for Scottish marine farmsare set out in PART 3 ofthis CoGP. The delineation of FMAS is subject to review which takes account of changes in operation, production, ownership, etc and the relevant maps are updated accordingly. 3544 Where one fish farming company operates a single site or all of the sites within a defined FMA, or where there is more than one company but no signed documented FMAg, key aspects of the company's operations which may impact on the health of the farmed fish within the area should be documented in a FMS (see below for guidance). 35.42 Where more than one company operates within a defined FMA other with a copy of its dated and up-to-date FMS. 3543 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html siae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 38.2 Any significant changes to the FMS should be notified to other companies in the FMA. 35.44 Where more than one aquaculture company operates within a defined FMA, it is recommended that companies cooperate in the development and implementation of a signed, documented FMAg. 35.45 Copies of FMS or FMAg documents should be acces: Inspectorate inspections. 3516 FMSs and FMAgs should tak ito account relevant aspects of the undernoted guidance : i. Defiition of he area to which the documont relatos including, where appropriate local hydrodynamic condliions. il Goneral aspects of fish health; Vaccines and vaccination regimes; Dead fish removal and disposal Health status ofthe FMA ine. ay offical contal(s)in places Health status offsh tobe stocked into the FMA; Physical condition of sh to be introduced: Veterinary inputine. VHPs and BPs; Fallowing plans and protocols. ili, Sea lice contol strategy Treatment plans ine. synchronisation of weatments; Treatment medicines; Sensitivity testing Data collection and exchange. iv. Adherence to agreed stocking densities \v.Movernent of ive sh. Vi. Harvesting protocols. vii Escapes. Vil Exclusion and contol of predators. ix. Stock inspection and indopendent oversight of the operation ofthe FMA x. Informaton exchange and communication between FMAg partners. 3547 FMAs may be redefined by farmers who share the area. Decisions to redefine FMAs should demonstrate, on the basis of documented evidence and experience, that the risks to health within and outwith the area are not materially increased by the proposal Site fallowing fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T ei 20C odo%200%.20Go00%20Practce Html-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Fallowing,a process during which sites are left clear of fish at the end ofa production period, has recognised benefits within strategies designed to optimise the health of farmed fish, 35.24 All pen sites (inclu should adhere. 1g broodstock sites) should have a written fallowing plan to which farmers 35.22 Farmers should fallow sites on a sing] in seawater pen production u 3523 The minimum fallow period should be 4 weeks at the end of each cycle. 3524 Pens, nets, equipment, etc. should be cleaned and di 3525 Disinfection should be conducted to a satisfactory level to ina pose most risk (see Annex 9). Fallowing and new marine finfish species Itis acknowledged that multiyear class farming may be requi 1d in the case of new marine finfish species. 3526 In all cases, multi-year class farming should only be undertaken following a satisfactory outcome from a documented risk assessment. 3527 If more than one year class of marine species is to be cultured on a farm, this should not occur for more than 6 years, Thereafter: + Farmers should adhe to the provisions of a writen fallowing plan; + Aminimum fallow period of 4 weeks should be applied atthe end of each cycle + Pens, nets, equipment, etc, should be cleaned and disinfected before the site is restocked with fish; + Disinfection should be conducted toa satisfactory level to inactivate pathogens posing significant risk (s ‘Annex.). 353 Farm Management Area fallowing 3534 Production farms within a defined FMA should be fallowed synchronously on a single year class basis. 3532 An exception to the foregoing requirement may be possible. Where this is the case, the undernoted conditions should be met + Adocumented risk assessment, which considers the risks to the company’s own operations and tothe operations of other fess AUsersiMaredDesitop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T e206 ode%2008%.20Go00%20PractceHtml sarae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice companies operating within the FMA and in any adjacent FMA, should be undertaken and management systems adopted that maintain risks at a satisfactorily low level + This isk assessment should include detailed information on strategies to be followed for pathogen and parasite contol in the absence of falowing. 3.6 Minimising Risks Presented by Restocking This part of he CoGP applies to all who are involved in the movement of fish nto water bodies in Scotland for angling or stock enhancement purposes, The release of fsh for these purposes presents clear risks of the inadvertent spread of fish pathogens. Furthermore, the transfer of ‘disease through the stocking of fish may lead to a reduction inthe official health status of zones containing freshwaler fish farms, hatcheries and fisheries. 361 All statutory measures which apply to restocking activities must be observed, 362 Fish farmers, fishery and river owners, District Salmon Fishery Boards and others involved in the movement of fish between freshwater bodies should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the risks posed by such activities. 3.6.3 All decisions to place fish into water bodies upstream or downstream of a hatchery or freshwater fish farm should be based on a satisfactory outcome from a documented risk assessment carried out by the party ing the fish. 364 The preparation of such a documented risk assessment should involve the party supplying the fish and operators of hatcheries or fish farms that might be affected by stocl 37 374 ing Where divers are operating on different sites, documented disinfection procedures should be followed before and after diving work takes place on site, to include: removal of organic material from all suits and equipment. Immersion of suits and equipmentin water to which a suitable disinfectant has been added; thorough rinsing ofall suits and equipment, disposal of al disinfectant solutions, rinse water and other eluent in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and relevant consents, 372 Before and after diving takes place, a named member of site personnel should check and record the fact that disinfection procedures have been followed. 3.8 Harvesting Operations 3.84 Production farms should not be sited within one tidal excursion of a permanent harvest station or processing plant having no approved effluent disinfection facilities. 3.82 ‘The method used to crowd fish, remove them from pens and harvest them should be assessed for the tisk of fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T ei 20C odo%2008%.20Go00%20PractcHtml sarge-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice escapes and,where appropriate, contingency arrangements put in place to minimise the risk. 3.8.3 Nets should be examined before crowding the fish and at intervals during harvesting operations to ensure the absence of defects likely to give rise to escapes and any defects repaired. 384 Documented procedures to minimise the alongside pens should be established. ‘elihood of damage from boats, rafts and equipment moored 385 Bleeding of fish should take place on a facility where the blood water is contained. 3.8.6 fected so as to minimise the risk of spread of pathogens. 387 The disposal of blood water and other effluent must be carried out in accordance with CAR licence conditions. 38.8 Appropriate containment measures should be in place to prevent the leakage of blood water from harvest rafts, bins, etc. 389 Appropriate measures should be in place to prevent the loss of harvest bins and their lids at sea aas0 Harvest bins should be checked for damage, thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between operations. 3811 Equipment used for on-site harvesting should be dedicated idual sites or, if moved between sites, should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before being moved. 38.12 Provision should be made elther for the disinfection of water used to transport live fish destined for harvesting, or the safe disposal of the water at sea (i.e. either at the site where it was extracted, or a minimum of two tidal excursions from any other site stocked with fish). 3.8.13, At the end of each period of harvesting, all equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 3.8.14 All activities involving movement of fish, cleaning and disinfection of bins and equipment should be recorded and the records retained for an appropriate time, 3.9 Primary Processing Operations feo 1UserMar esto Sts anSamoni0-220TIiznC ade 200%: 20Gee 20a swit00-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Inthe context of this CoGP, Primary Processing refers to the removal of internal organs and, as appropriate the glls, rom slaughtered and bied fshihe washing and cleaning of eviscerated fish; and the packing of washed eviscerated fish in boxes. Certain aspects of primary processing are included here because they may impact on fish health and biosecurly. Facilities 394 Bays used to offload fish should be equipped with a waterproof apron, draining to a collection point, and be surrounded by a bund or similar structure to prevent the seepage of blood water, etc. 392 Site boundaries should be clearly defined and access to dirty areas restricted. 39.3 All surfaces within primary processing areas should be waterproof (walls and other vertical surfaces to an appropriate height) and amenable to cleaning and disinfection. 3.9.4 Drainage from areas where effluent and fish by-products are generated should feed into a with subsequent treatment and discharge in accordance with CAR licence conditions. fection facility, 395 Harvest bins, tankers, boxes etc. should be thoroughly cleaned and 3.9.6 Sprays or wheel baths should be available to treat vehicles entering and leaving the premises. 397 Reusable plastic pallets should be disinfected after use, 398 Wooden pallets should be for ‘single use’ only. 39.9 Measures must be in place to prevent scavengers and vermin gaining access to wastes. 39.10 Measures must be in place to prevent waste material, by-products from primary processing and fish which have died on site being used as bait. Appropriate reusable or disposable protective clothing must be provided for personnel. 3.9.12 Reusable protective clothing should be retained on the premises. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 3.9.13 Reusable protective clothing should be laundered at a temperature of at least 60°C 3044 Rubber overalls should be cleaned and then disinfected in a soak bath aes Disposable protective clothing should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Road transportation of harvested fish to and from primary processing facilities 39.16 Companies should be able to provide evidence to demonstrate that hauliers used to transport their fish aro aware of the biosecurity issues surrounding transport and are actively involved in the maintenance of high standards of biosecurity. 39.17 Documented reporting protocols should be established to cover any accident or spillage of fish in transit which require: +The driver to immediately report any such incident to his own company; + The driver's company to immediately notify the aquaculture company whose fish are being transported, SEPA and MS; + Where fish andlor water used inthe transport of fish have spilled into a natural watercourse, reporting to other relevant organisations. 3.10 Other Biological Vectors of Fish Disease Fish Wild fish species may act as vectors for, and carriers of, pathogens and may transmit these to farmed fish which come into contact with them. 3.404 Companies that fish for wild wrasse, or fishermen catching wrasse on behalf of a company, should make provisions for the following: 1) use of appropriate baits (specifcally not brown or velvet crabs) li) use of ater exclusion devices on al yke nets deployed Ili), maximum and minimum sizes for all fish retained iv) record keeping requirements (catch location, fish caught et.) 3.102 The intentional introduction of wrasse into salmon pens for the purpose of sea lice control should only be done on the basis of a satisfactory outcome from a documented risk assessment. 3.103 Where wrasse are to be stocked into pens, they should be health checked and be shown to be free of pathogens likely to be of significance to salmon 3104 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sige-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘Once wrasse have been placed on a salmon site they should not be released, moved to a farm outwith the FMA or re-used with a subsequent salmon generation without being health checked and the health check showing the absence of pathogens likely to be of significance to salmon. 3.05 Wrasse should not be released into the wild at the end of a production cycle, but should be humanely destroyed and disposed of, or may be re-used in accordance with the provisions set out in this CoGP Sea Lice ‘Sea lice can actas a vector for fish pathogens. Following the measures outlined inthe relevant sections ofthis CoGP (e.g. see Secton 3.4.4) should help minimise the risks of disease transmission. Birds and mammals Birds and mammals may also act as vectors for a number of disease agents which affect farmed fish species 3.106 ‘Transmission of infectious agents by birds and mammals should be minimised through: + measures designed to exclude birds and mammals from areas where farmed fish are held; + hygienic procedures for handling dead fish; feeding practices that minimise wastage; where there is a risk of contact with seals - which are known to prey on farmed fish - this should be minimised through the use of appropriate deterrent measures and other approaches. 3.11 Medicinal Products Farmers have legal and ethical responsibilities to safeguard the health and wellbeing ofthe fish in their care. Farmers will normally involve their veterinary surgeon at various levels to assistin the discharge of these responsibilies. Protecting the health of farmed fisn sometimes. involves the use of veterinary medicinal products and other treatments, which must be used responsibly and in accordance with the relevant legislation. Therapeutic medicinal products and vaccines are complementary to sound management and husbandry \VHPs and BPs are important tools in the management of fish health. These are tallored to the needs of the company and its farms, and identify management procedures which encourage the targeted use of treatments. This helps to minimise madicine use consistent with the maintenance offisn welfare and to preserve the efficacy ofthe available medicinal products. There are also clear benefits in carrying out periodic reviews o assess the efficacy of medicines, so that the regimes under which they are applied can be modilfed and optimised. “The guidance set outin the following sections is similarin nature to that built into many farm assurance schemes for terrestrial food producing animals, and is designed to help fish farmers ensure that medicines are used responsibly. As a general principle, every action taken in connection withthe handling or application of medicines should take account ofthe likelinood of their eventual discharge into the environment. SEPA's advice should be soughtifthere is any unceriainty about legal obligations in relation to possible discharge, ‘Arange of medicines is available for use in farmed fish. The distribution categories covering all UK veterinary madicinal products are: + Prescription Only Medicine-Veterinarian (POM-V) + Prescription Only Medicine-Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Sutably Qualifled Person (POM-VPS) ‘+ Non-Food Animal-Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person (NFA-VPS) + Authorised Veterinary Medicine-Gereral Sales List (AVM-GSL) ana Good practice in the use of medicinal products saad Farmers should prepare and implement a VHP and a BP, which set out biosecurity protocols, preventative measures and treatments (including the use of vaccines, measures for the control of fungus in freshwater, measures for the control of sea lice, etc.). 3a142 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sarge-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Where therapeutic treatment is required, this should be initiated as soon as possible. 34143 Where therapeutic treatment .d, accurate information on the health status of fish, biomass, temperature, etc., should be provided to the attending veterinary surgeon to allow the calculation of correct dose rates, withdrawal periods, etc. Batt The prescribing veterinary surgeon should always be made aware of any other treatments recently or currently being administered and other circumstances likely to affect treatments. Bata When medication is to be applied, clear written instructions on the use of the medicine should be obtained and effectively communicated to the personnel responsible for its application. 3a148 The recommended course of treatment at the correct dosage should be completed. Where this is not possible because of adverse weather conditions, for example, or where fish welfare would be compromised, treatment may be curtailed. Where treatment is terminated early, this should be recorded and further advice sought from the veterinary surgeon. 34147 To avoid the possibility of contamination of unmedicated feed with medication, feed bins or hoppers should be emptied and cleaned at the end of a period of medication. 3at4e Withdrawal periods prior to the slaughter of fish for human consumption must be complied with. The withdrawal period is specified on the data sheet for the product in question. 3a149 The veterinary surgeon or other person supplying the product should also advise on the correct, withdrawal period, 314.40 Any farm engaging in the prepara appropriately registered. sated feeds must be legally approved and 3a12 Record keeping and monitoring 3at24 Full records of all acquisition, use and disposal of medicines must be maintained for at least five years, and made available to authorised persons. The required information is as follows. Atthe time of acquisition: + proof of purchase of the medicine concerned; + the name of the product; + the batch number; + the date of purchi fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice + the quantity purchas + the name and address of the supplier Atthe time of administrati + the name of the product; the date of administration; the quantity administered; the withdrawal peri Identification ofthe fish treated. the product is disposed of: + the date of disposal; + the quantity of product involved; + how and where it was disposed of I tho product is administored by a veterinary surgeon, the veterinary surgeon must record or give written notice of: + the name of the veterinary surgeon; + the name of the product; + the batch number; + the dato of administration; the amount administered; Identification ofthe fish treated; the withdrawal period, 34122 The farmer must ensure the safe use, storage and disposal of medicines according to the relevant legislation and the information contained on the product data sheets. 3a13 Suspected Adverse Reactions ‘A Suspected Adverse Reaction (SAR) is @ harmful and unintended reaction which may be due to exposure to a veterinary medicine administered to an animal atits normal dose. A human SAR may also occur, in this case in a person administering a veterinary medicine (e.. through self injection with a vaccine) or a person exposed to a recently treated animal Companies holding a Marketing Authorisation (MA) for veterinary medicines, including fish medicines, are legally obliged to report serious adverse reactions within 18 days of receiving a report and at specified periods in the case of non-serious adverse reactions. 34134 Farmers should record any SAR to a medicine, either in fish being treated or in persons involved in the application of a treatment. 34132 SAR reports should be directed via the veterinary surgeon, the supplier, or submitted direct to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). 3at4 Vaccination Good practice in relation to vaccination is described in guidelines on ‘Responsible use of vaccines and vaccination in fish production’ produced by The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA). hitouwyy suma.org.uk/guidelines!vaccinesonalish %20vaccine%20Iong.odf 3Atat fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html arse-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Vaccination should only be carried out under veterinary authorisation by trained, named, competent persons under veterinary authorisation. 3142 Where appropriate, VHPs and BPs should include a vaccination regime to protect fish from diseases that may present a risk to their health. 3A143 Records must be kept of all vaccination procedures conducted on site and must include the following information date of vaccination; Identification ofthe batch(es) of fish vaccinated: vaccine used (including batch numbers and method of application); details of dosage; the names of the personnel involved, aaa Vaccines must be used and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's data sheet and/or veterinary advice. 3A145 Vaccines must be stored in an appropriate container and must not be used after the expiry date. an148 Vaccination equipment should be maintained in a hygienic manner. 34147 Where vaccination equipment is brought on site from elsewhere: + the supplior should provide proof thatthe equipment has been appropriately dlsinfected: + the equipment should be disinfected before and after us + disinfection records should be maintained, 3A148 Booster vaccinations, if required, should be administered in accordance with manufacturers’ directions and veterinary advice. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html aaniaesrow2015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 4. MANAGING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT “Environmental principle: Farmed fish and shelifsh industries should act as a good neighbour by minimising risks to biodiversity and Impact on the environment and other aquatic activities. Growth should be within the carrying capacity of the environment: From: A Fresh Start The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009) 4.1 Introduction The finfish farming industry recagnises that the environment is an asset to be protected, now and for future generations. The designation of sites of particular environmental significance has been recognised in Scotland for many decades and certain areas in Scotland are so Importantin terms of marine biodiversity that they have been designated under EU, UK andlor Scottish environmental legislation. In some cases, long-established fish farms existin the same areas, ‘The development of marine fish farms in Scotland is locatfonally contolled through Locational Guidelines for the Authorisation of Marino Fish Farms in Scotish Waters, hitp:Jwww scoland.cov.uk/Resource/D00/295 194/0 102087 pdf) which is updated annually. Under current policies, {arm developments are restricted to selected areas ofthe west coast and the western and northern islands. Environmental aspects ofthe industry's actives are also stictly controlled and highly regulated under statute; a summary of the controls and regulations in foree is given in ‘Annex 13. implementation ofthe regulatory and other control procedures is through the activities of a number of Scottish Government Departments and agencies of which MS (and particularly MSS), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) should be noted in particular. Briefly the roles of hese agencies can be summarised as fllows: Ms. MS, which is partof the Scotish Goverment, is the leading marine management organisation in Scotland. thas responsibility fora wide range of marine policies and activites including ishing, marine aquaculture and marine renewable energy. Kaleo has responsisilty for the policy, management and licensing of freshwater fisheries and freshwater aquaculture. MSS is the science division of MS. Ithas a variety of roles inthe statutory regulation of environmental aspects of nfish farming, including ‘operating the system of locational guidelines which determine the areas in which fish farms can be located, providing the Fish Health inspectorate services for sh farms; carrying out research to support Scottish Government policy and policy development, and providing advice to Local Authorities and other agencies; and inthe issuing of Food and Environmental Protection Act (FEPA) consents for discharges from vessels,including wel boats, “SEPA ‘SEPA is a non-departmental public body accountable to the Scotish Goverment Itis Scoland’s main environmental regulator. tacts o protect and improve the environment through regulating community, business and industry activites that can cause harmful pollution and by monitoring the quality of Scotland's air, land and water. + SNH ‘SNH is a non-deparimental public body accountable tothe Scottish Government. SNH's remit comes from the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 and its purpose isto promote the care and improvement, responsible enjoyment, reater appreciation and Understanding and sustainable use of the natural heritage, now and for future generations. SNH acts in the capacity of statutory Consultee in a range of consultative processes related to finfish aquaculture and is important in ensuring that fish farms are established and operate within the capacity of the environment, with consideration for wild flora and fauna and the biodiversity inthe environment. Regulatory controls ‘The regulatory controls on finfish farms start prior to the point that a planning application and relevant licence application are submitted and continue throughout the operational fe ofthe farm. A detailed consideration of ishfarm planning and developmentis outside the scope ofthis CoGP butan outine ofthe process and ofthe roles of the relevant agencies in the planning and licensing system is provided in Detivering Planning Reform for Aquaculture (2010) (tladivw scotland gov ukiResource/DocI304025)0095984 od) Sulfice to say that, whilst the relevant Scotish Local Authority for the geographic area is the main Planning Authority under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, the planning development and approval process involves an open consultation withthe local community and other interested parties and statutory consultations with MSS, SEPA, SNH and the local District Salmon Fisheries Boara(s) (OSFB). Established fh farms are subjected to a programme of regular inspection and environmental monitoring by SEPA and MSS, and farms in environmentally sensitive areas must conform to provisions made by Scotish Natural Heritage (SNH) for the management of those areas, Statutory regulation of water and benthic quality Statutory regulation of water quality and benthic quality is mainly undertaken by SEPA, Because fish farms are situated in marine or freshwater fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html aariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice environments or have an essential reliance on supplies of clean fresh water, they are subject strict regulatory controls in regard to water ‘quality and theirimpact on the benthic area around the fish farm. Details of the comprehensive and scientiicaly sophisticated regulatory processes applied by SEPA may be found at pJlwuw sepa org ukiwalerivater requlationegimesiaquacultyre/marine aquacullure.aepx. ‘The following paragraphs, which summarise the regulatory framework for marine finfsh farming, are reproduced courtesy of SEPA. A corresponding framework used in the regulation of finish farming in fresh water. Regulation of fish farms by SEPA In common with any industry which makes discharges tothe aquatic environment, operators wishing o establish a ish farmin the sea around Scotland must apply for and be granted a licence under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (CAR). ‘Those regulations provide SEPA wit powers to ensure that activities which may pose arisk to the water environment are controlled, SEPA makes sure this is the case by setting limits on the amount offsh that can be held in the cages and thus the amount of feed used. SEPA also protects the environment by limiting the amount of certain medicines that can be administered and discharged. In setting these limits, SEPA. ‘aims to ensure thatthe fish farm is operating within the capacity of te enviranment and isin harmony with the sea inthe location in which itis sited. Licence applications and modelling ‘The process of applying for a CAR licence involves a number of steps and includes an advertising and consultation process. Details ofthe steps taken inthe determination of @ CAR licence fora fish farm are described in detail in the SEPA fish farm manual htouwww sepa org.ukiwateriwater requlationtegimes/aquaculturoimarine aquaculture/ish farm manual.aspx Applicants must submitinformation on the physical, chemical and biological condition ofthe seabed. They must also measure the current the area and conduct computer modelling simulations to show how waste wil be dispersed from the site. Licence determination and site monitoring Following submission and advertising ofthe application, SEPA will consider the proposals and elther grant or refuse a licence. Where a licence is granted and a farm s developed, SEPA will undertake monitoring and inspections ofthe farm and the operator will also be required to commission regular studies ofthe impact ofthe farm on the seabed. SEPA recovers part ofthe cost ofthis monitoring regime through the levying of charges under the CAR charging scheme. houwww.sepa org uklwaterlwater requlation/charging_scheme.aspx Fishfarmers also make data returns fo SEPA detalling the scale of the discharges from each of their farm premises. This data forms alarge part ofthe publicly available Scotish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPR), hiwww.sepa.ora ullainbrocess_industy_cequlaton/pollutant sloase_inventorvasox 4.2 Environmental Management and Monitoring 424 Farmers considering making an application for a new, renewed or modified development consent should make contact at an early stage with the relevant regulatory bodies (SEPA, MSS, SNH) to identify potential 422 Farmers must hold a current CAR licence which sets out environmental and other parameters for farming 423 In managing the sediments (in the sea / voe/ loch / river bed) beneath pens and around water discharge points, farmers must work in accordance with CAR licence conditions. 424 Farmers should have an environmental management plan fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 4ariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 428 It is recommended that environmental management plans take the form of a recognised and independently audited environmental management system 428 Farmers must comply with SEPA and MSS provisions with respect to environmental matters. 427 Farmers must maintain records of discharges made under CAR licence. 428 Farmers must maintain records of water abstraction under licence. 429 Farmers should ensure that consideration is given to the potential effects of the siting and operation of farms on sensitive wildlife and habitats. 4240 Farmers should seck advice from SNH and/or other competent authorities on activities which may have a detrimental effect on natural heritage. 42m Farmers must, when required to do so under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Fish Farming in Marine Waters) Regulations1999, ensure that an appropriate Environmental Statement (ES) is prepared as part of an apy n, Such an ES will be tailored to the particular sensitivities of the location and may typically include the following: + Details ofthe equipmentto be used, including statements ofits suitability for the conditions ofthe particular location; + Details ofthe visual aspects of the proposed development, and how these willbe tailored so as to mitigate any visual impact, + Delails ofthe farmer's procedures for routine operations; + Details ofthe farmer's contingency plans with respect o escapes and other potential emergency situatons, + Details to address other site-specific concerns or issues. 4.3 Sea Lice Farmers are referred to sea lice management and control programmes setout in the appropriate section(s) ofthis CoG?. 43a Farmers using wellboats for the treatment of fish with medicines applied by bath and discharging into the sea must hold a current FEPA licence. 4.4 Fuel Oil Handling and Storage Aaa Farmers must ensure they use appropriate equipment for the transportation and storage of fuel oils. Specifically: + Segmented tankers must be used for road haulage of fuel olls; + Work boats carrying fuel olls must be properly certified by the MCA or appropriate agency; + Any equipment that uses or contains fuel oll must be secured to the structure on which itis placed in order to prevent the risk of spilling oF tipping ov + Fuel il storage vessels, whether on shore, on feed barges or on pens, should have full secondary containment of tank and fess AUsersiMaredDesitop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20Th ei 20C ode%200%.20Go00%20PractcHtml 4rnae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ancillary equipment in accordance with SEPA code of practice and legislation, 442 Contractors or third parties working on the site must have a contract which specifies the requirement to work in the conditions of this CoGP. 4.5 Solid Waste Material asa All waste materials such as feed bags, lengths of redundant rope, etc. should be carefully collected from pen installations and brought back to shore where it should be properly segregated, stored, recycled or disposed of within a defined timescale. 452 Redundant equipment must be salvaged and brought back to shore for reuse, recycling or proper disposal within a defined time plan. 453 It is recommended that GPS coordinates be taken of anchor positions at deployment to aid retrieval or alert other marine users to their location if retrieval is impossible. 454 The recycling of waste should be incorporated into the company’s environmental management system. 4.6 N e aga Farmers should ensure that equipment that creates significant noise (air blowers, generators,etc.) is suitably muffled in order to prevent unacceptable disturbance to wildlife or humans. Advice on suitable measures may be obtained from local Environmental Health departments. 4,7 Lights ara The use of surface and submerged lights on pen sites should seek to take account of any local issues. 472 All lighting should be installed and/or shielded in such a way as to direct the light to where it is required. 4.8 Odours aga Farmers should ensure that offensive odours that might arise from farming activities aro strictly managed and minimised. Local Environmental Health departments may be consulted for advice. 4.9 Containment ‘The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 created legal powers and provisions in elation to fish farms covering containment and the ‘escape of fish. MSS Fish Health Inspectorate has powers to Inspect records relating tothe containment of sh on farms, to assess measures in place to contain fish, prevent breaches of containment and recover escaped fish, and to ascertain risks of breaches of containment. Legal provisions requiring ish farming companies to maintain specific records in elation to containment and breaches of containment were created under The Fish Farming Businesses (Record Keeping) (Scotland) Order 2008. The record keeping requirements are based upon the fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html ase-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice provisions ofthis code. A copy of te legislation is available on the website of te Office of Public Sector Information, iw. Jaionlscotandissi2008/es) 20080326 en 1 ‘The MGA's Containment Working Group is currently engaged in an extensive review of containment-related matters and several technical ‘Sub-Groups have been established to deal with many of these, Atthe time af the publication ofthis edition of the CoGP, the Containment ‘Working Group has yetto report although itis anticipated that its recommendations will be wide ranging. Work has been commissioned with a View to developing a Scottsh Standard for nets and pens. When the recommendations of the Containment Working Group become available and are accepted by Government and industry they will be promptly incorporated into the CoGP. In the meantime, the under noted provisions will apply. General Effective containment depends on the selection of appropriate fish farm installations and holding facilities and maintaining them in sound condition. Some recommendations for finf'sh farmers on the procedures and standards that should be applied to the design, construction, inspection and maintenance of holding facilities are set outin Annex 14, Farming companies will continue to use the expertise and knowledge of thelr site staff to promote best practice and will continue to support and participate in industy-led containment workshops which have proved to be beneficial as a vehicle for sharing experience and developing increasingly effectve containment strategies. 49.0 Freshwater Containment Environmental Assessment 4904 ‘The farmer should identify, conduct and document site specific environmental and operational risk factors for containment when a new site is established. 1g sites should have Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which are based on risks previously ied. ‘These may include risk assessments that consider the Impact of the following: + Fish handling and transport + allure of ullity services, sructures, equipment + Predators + Weather: flood, wind, waves, snow, ice + Collision + Pollution + Mass stock kill event + Freshwater loch topography + Fire + Intruders 4903 ‘The farmer should identify and hold contact details for other relevant stakeholders sharing the same water catchment, .g. other finfish farms, fishing interests, leisure water sports, hydro-electric production, public drinking water or other abstraction schemes. 4904 Companies should ensure all staff are fully aware of the importance of containment and best practice. Design and Construction 49.08 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 4ariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice New land-based farms should be located in areas that are unlikely to be affected by a serious flooding event based on the 100 yr flood risk. 49084 If the farm is in a location where it is likely to be affected, suitable flood defences should be in place to prevent the escape of any stock. 4s 06 Land-based farms should be designed to contain fish effectively, including provision for containment during periods of flooding. As 07 Farmers operating land-based aquaculture systems should have effective measures in place to prevent stock from jumping out of the holding facilities and making their way into surface waters or natural water courses. As 08 All reasonable measures should be put in place to screen the water inflow to the aquaculture system to prevent the ingress of wild fish, while still allowing them to retum to their natural environment. 4909 Inflow systems should also be designed to prevent any upstream escape of farm stock. 49.040 Screen sizes and configuration should be capable of containing the entire range of fish sizes contained the unit in every instance. 49.0404 ‘The farmer should be aware of the um fish size supplied where new stock Guideline Fish Size (minimum) vs Screen Size: TROUT fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html amiesno12015 Seotish Salmon Maximum Sereen Size or Fish Size (9) aperture (mm) 029 2mm 0.89 3mm 39 6mm 109 ‘amm a0g+ 42.5mm Guideline Fish Size (minimum) vs Screen Size: SALMON “The Code of Good Practice fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sria8-mon015 ‘Scotsh Salmon- The Code of Good Practice [Maximum Screen Size or Aperture| Fish Size (9) om 0.29 2mm 0.89 3mm 3.09 4mm 10.09 amm 20.09 8mm 4goat Screen integrity should be inspected daily and any necessary action taken. agont4 Records should be maintained of the inspection frequency of the screens and outcomes. 49.042 Screens should be constructed from suitably strong and robus material to ensure they are fit for purpose. 49043 ‘The water leaving a land-based aquaculture system should incorporate two screens between the fish holding unit and the outflow of a suitable size and construction to prevent the passage of fish in all potential water conditions. 49048 Redundancy is required to enable changing or cleaning of screens without any potential escape of stock Note: the outflow or outfall is defined as the point where water leaves the farm and is returned fo a wator course. 49.015 Pen and mooring systems should be designed, manufactured and installed to ensure they are fit for purpose at the location of the site. 49.016 Pen and mooring systems should be inspected and approved annually by a suitably competent and experienced person. 49.0a7 All nets should be designed and manufactured under the control of a Quality Management System to ensure they provide effective containment for the whole of their working life. 4goa8 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sarge-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Allnets should meet or exceed the following minimum net strengths at all times during their use. 490184 Up to and including 6mm mesh - 15kg breaking strain 49.0182 ‘8mm mesh - 20kg breaking strain 490183 10mm mesh - 24kg breaking strain 49.0184 15mm mesh and above - 36kg breaking strain Note : Net and rope strengths will decrease from date of manufacture due to a number of variable and interactive factors, e.g. time in use, exposure to ulre-vilet light, handling and physical damage. 49.049 Farms should have a documented net replacement policy based on meeting the minimum net strength requirements. 49.020 Nylon nets older than 5 years from date of manufacture should not be used. 49021 ‘The net mesh size should be capable of containing the entire range of fish sizes in every instance for the species involved. 49.022 Site managers should be aware of the \um fish size supplied where new stock is introduced. Guideline Fish Size (minimum) vs Mesh Site (mm): TROUT fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc HtmlScotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice sno12015 Fish 820 () Maximum NetMesn Apri Sze 029 3mm 3g 6mm 109 ‘9mm 189 12mm 30g 15mm 50g 18mm 1809 20mm 2509+ lz2mm Guideline Fish Size (minimum) vs Mesh Size (mm): SALMON fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html siriae-mon015 ‘Scotsh Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Maximum Net Mesh Aperture Size Fish Size (9) (om) 29 lamm Note: In general, the minimum fish size ina graded population will be 1/2 the mean weight. This figure will be much less in ungraded populations. Mesh size is measured horizontally along the twine. Exposure to ultraviolet lights likely to cause deterioration in the strength ofthe fabric of the nets, 49.0224 It is recommended that nets be treated with UV 490222 Nets should be stored away from direct sunlight and contact with vermin, Inspection and testing of Nets and Net Attachments 49.023 Each net should be inspected and strength tested after each cycle by a competent person, in accordance with a detailed procedure based on manufacturer's advice and using a documented quality control system. 49.0234 Net testing undertaken by a competent person should include both a full inspection of all fitted net components and strength tests from representative sections in the net base, side wall and above the waterline. 49024 Nets in use should be visually inspected routinely on a daily basis for damage and repaired if necessary. 49.0284 Additional inspections after adverse weather should be out where required. ‘Second Hand Equipment 49.025 Farmers should have documented records for the selection, preparation and installation of second-hand tanks, pens and mooring equipment to ensure they are fit for purpose. Fish Handling and Transfers 49.026 The risk of escape is increased during procedures such as fish input, grading, vaccination and transfer of fish within and between sites. All such procedures should be carried out to a standard operating procedure (SOP) and include planning and supervision to minimise any risk fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 49.027 Where fish are to be handled, it is recommended that the integrity of all handling equipment be checked, including: pipelinesm, pumps, transport tanks, raders, counters and vaccination stations. 49.028 It is recommended that checks also include suitability during adverse weather conditions, where this is appropriate 49.90.29 The use of safety nets, secondary pipe joint security devices or other forms of bun: potential risk points, such as pipe connections. \g is recommended at Helicopter Operations 49.030 Where fish are being transferred by helicopter, the rece the air, e.g. with buoys. ing pen(s) should be marked clearly to be visible from 49.0304 ‘The member of fish farm staff responsible for receiving the fish should maintain radio contact with the helicopter crew. Where this is not possible, the pen(s) being stocked should be manned. 49031 Staff involved in helicopter operations should be suitably trained in the operation being undertaken and had a safety briefing from the helicopter pilot or ground staff. 49.032 Training records should be kept and be readily accessible. Boat Operations Boat operations present a potential risk to the health and safety of people operating on boats or farms and could also cause damage to pens and nets and be detrimental to the welfare of fish. 49.033 Fish farm workboat operations should be planned and conducted i nets and pens. such a manner as to prevent damage to 49.034 Boatmen should be fully trained and competent and should possess the necessary qualific operations concemed. 49.035 Tra 1g records should be kept and be readily accessible. Failure of Containment fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sarge-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 49.036 Farmers should have site-specific contingency plans that describe actions to be taken in the event of any escapes, Guidance on what to do in the event of an escape is available at http:/iwww scotland gov uk/Resource/Doc/1062/0000275.pdf 49037 All farm staff should be aware of factors affecting the potential breaches of containment and trained in actions to take in the event of an escape. 49038 Any escape, or suspected escape, of live fish should be reported immediately to all relevant stakeholders, including the local District Salmon Fisheries Board and Fisheries Trust (or at the latest, within 48 hours of discovery). 49039 ions, daily visual inspection of the hol Weather permitting, and having regard to health and safety con units should be carried out to ensure containment of the stock 4.9.1 Seawater Containment Design & Construction of pen systems As aA Farmers should maintain documented procedures to be followed in the selection and installation of pens. 4g9a2 Farmers should hold on record the design specifications of pens, along with evidence that they are suitable for the purpose and are correctly installed, 49A3 Pen systems deployed at all finfish aquaculture sites should meet the manufacturers’ guidelines. 49a4 Pen systems should be inspected and approved by suitably qualified and experienced person(s) As AS Farmers should maintain evidence of the competence of personnel involved in the design, installation and maintenance of pen systems. Mooring Systems 4948 Farmers should have documented procedures to be followed in the selection and installation of moorings. Agar Farmers should hold on record the design speci fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sarge ations of mooring systems, along with evidence that they are-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Suitable for the purpose and are correctly installed. 4948 Farmers should maintain evidence of the competence of staff involved in the design, installation and maintenance of mooring systems.<.h4> 4949 Pen and mooring components should be inspected in accordance with a documented standard operating procedure and a documented inspection plan which is based on risk assessment Design & Construction of Pen Nets 4gaa0 Minimum net strength should meet or exceed industry standards (see Annex 14), 4gaai The net mesh size must be such that it is capable of containing all fish when new stock is introduced to fresh or saltwater pen sites. 4gaaa Site managers should demonstrate an awareness of the minimum fish size supplied at smolt input and at other relevant times. 4gaag The design, quality and standard of manufacture of nets should take account of the conditions likely to be experienced on the site and include an adequate safety margin. 4gaas Nets should be treated with UV inhibitor and stored away from direct sunlight when not in use, to minimise deteriora strength. Inspection and Testing of Nets and Net Attachments AAAS Nets should be tested at a predetermined frequency and in accordance with a test procedure which is based on manufacturer's advice. 49446 Nets should be inspected as frequently as possible for damage and inspection records maintained. 4gaa7 ‘Systems used to attach nets to pens (including net weighting where this is used) should be inspected as frequently as possible. 4gasa fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html setae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Where damage to nets and any associated fittings has occurred (or the potential for damage to occur is apparent), the appropriate remedial action should be taken Anti-Predator Nets 4gaag Risk assessment should be undertaken on a site-specific basis and at predetermined frequency to ascertain the risks of predator attacks, with records being maintained. 494.20 ‘The advice given in Annex 14 should be followed when predator nets are deployed (also see Section 5.2.2 and 5.2.9), 4.8.2 Record Keoping & Inspection 4924 Records relevant to the containment provisions The Fish Farming Businesses (Record Keeping) (Scotland) Order 2008 must be maintained and made available for inspection by any person authorised by Scottish Ministers to act as an Inspector. 4.93 Navigation Markers ‘The marking and lighting of fnish aquaculture sites falls within the scope of the consent process set out under Section 34 of The Coast Protection Act 1949 (CPA). This consent process deals solely withthe safety of navigation and any stakeholder proposing to place an obstruction into the water that will constitute a hazard must apply for and obtain consent before doing so. Consents contain marking and lighting recommendations made to Scottish Government by the Northern Lighthouse Board, who consull, where appropriate, with any local Harbour Authority 4934 Pen units located in navigable waters must be marked and lit in accordance with the recommendations of the Northern Lighthouse Board. 4932 In some cases, marker buoys or radar reflectors may be required for safety reasons, for example as indicators of obstructions in the water. Such buoys should be of suitable size, colour, design and construction so that navigators are aware of potential obstructions created by the fish farm installation by day and night 4.9.4 Boat Operations ‘The operation of fish farm support vessels may present a risk o the integrity of pens and nets. In this are risk assessed, planned and carried out by rained, competent operators. regard, itis essential that boat operations 4944 Fish farm work boat operations should be planned and conducted in a manner which avoids damage to nets and pens. 4942 Boatmen must be trained, competent and possess the qualifications required by the MCA for the operations in which they are involved 4943 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sare-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Training records for designated boatmen should be maintained and be readily accessible. 49.5 Tank and Pond Systems 495A New tank and pond sites should be located in areas that are unlikely to be affected by flooding 4982 Tank and pond systems should be designed and operated in such a way as to contain fish effectively, and provide for containment during periods of high water flow. 4983 ‘The inflow and outflow from tank and pond systems and discharges from the farm should be screened to prevent the loss of fish in all water flow conditions. 4984 Where the outflow from tanks or ponds passes into a settling pond, the outflow from the settling pond should Incorporate a screen of suitable size and construction to prevent the loss of fish from the farm. 4988 Screens should be inspected as often as possible and remedial action taken as required. 4986 Records of inspections and any remedial action required should be maintained. 4.9. Fish Transfer and Handling As 8A Procedures which could increase the risk of fish escaping from pens or tanks should be carefully planned and supervised to minimise any risk. As 82 A documented risk assessment, a standard operating procedure and a contingency plan should be in place before any such procedure is followed. 4963 Before a procedure involving the stocking of pens commences, the pen net(s) should be examined to ensure the absence of tears or damage and again at intervals during the procedure. 4964 Where fish are being transferred into pens by helicopter, the receiving pen(s) should be properly prepared with the nets secured, and the pens marked with buoys clearly visible from the air. 4968 ‘The fish farm staff responsible for receiving the fish should maintain radio contact with the helicopter cr Where this is not possible, the pen(s) being stocked should be manned to ensure correct delivery of the fish. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html omiae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 4.10 Failure of Containment Guidance on what o do inthe event ofa failure of containmentis detalled in $S1 2008 No. 222 - The Registration of Fish Farming and Shellish Farming Businesses Amendment (Scolland) Order 2008 and the associated guidance document. See htto:/Awww scotland. qov.uk/Topics/marine/Fish-Shelfish/18364/18692/escape 4a04 Farmers must have site-specific contingency plans that describe actions to be taken in the event of any failure of containment. 4402 Any escape, or event likely to have given rise to an escape, must be reported initially to Scottish Government within 24 hours of discovery. 4403 A further report must be made to Scottish Government once the number of fish concerned has been confirmed. 4404 Any escape or suspected escape of live fish should be reported to the SSPO and the local District Salmon Fishery Board and 4405 A decision to attempt to recapture fish and the method to be employed should be agreed with the local District Salmon Fisheries Board and Fisheries Trust and permission must be sought from Marine Scotland. 4406 If the deployment of gill nets is sanctioned for recovery of fish, these must be of the appropriate mesh size. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sarge‘m6 ‘Scatish Salmon The Code of Go Practice 5. FISH WELFARE AND CARE “Desired outcome: A secure long-term future for the industry by protecting the asset through adoption of disease and parasite-control ‘strategies which also contribute to minimising impacts on the environment. Best practice standards in place to ensure accepted ‘welfare of farmed fish and appropriate control of predators through compliance with an industry code which is evolving to reflect current best practice. Effective control strategies for fish and shellfish diseases including efficient identification of emerging diseases and compliance with an industry code which is evolving to reflect current best practice” From: A Fresh Start: The Renewed Strategic Fremework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009) 5.1 Introduction In the rst edition of fe CoGP, this section was informed by the Welfare Sub-group of tne Aquaculture Health Joint (Industry / Government) Working Group (AHJWG) a group made up of stakeholders with an interest in animal welfare, the Industy scientists, fish vets and Government. However, since that ime there have been significant developments in the regulatory framework for fish welfare and care and thathas been reflected inthis edition of the CoGP. Farmers are obliged to comply with the relevant provisions of The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. This Act supports the ‘Animal Heath and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain. The Strategy was published by the Scotish Executive, the Deparment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Assembly Government in June 2004 and sels outa vision for raising animal health and welfare standards tothe benefit of animals, animal keepers and society as a whole. The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 makes provisions for both the health and welfare of animals in Scotland, including farmed ish. ‘This CoGP acknowledges the broad principles of The Five Freedoms’ and the structure ofthis partof the CoG? reflects Government's Response to the Farm Animal Welfare Counel's ealiar report on the Weltare of Farmed Fish. A number of aspects ofthe welfare of farmed fish are encompassed in other sections of this CoGP(e.g. Fish Health and Biosecurity, Managing and Protecting the Environment,Feed and Feeding). For this reason, this section avoids unnecessary repetiton ofthe deta set outin these other sections. Nevertheless, itis important to stess that high standards of welfare cannot be achieved without adherence to principles covered elsewhere in this CoGP. 5.2 Systems and Management Farmers must follow all statutory regulation and should follow official guidance and the recommendations ofthis CoGP as set outin Chapter 4 fon Managing and Protecting the Environment In addltion specific attention should be given to the following aspects of farm systems and management 524 Veterinary Health Plan and Biosecurity Plan 5214 In order to ensure that companies operate to the highest possible standards of welfare, all farmers should develop a documented VHP and a BP that are updated regularly. 5242 Each farm should have access to a veterinary surgeon experienced in fish health to advise on fish health matters and medicine usage, and who is available to attend at short notice. 522 Fish Farm Locations 5224 The siting of farms should be such that there is an adequate supply of water of suitable quality at all ti 8 22 Where appropriate, there should be emergency back-up systems to maintai a high standard of water quality. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sage-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 5.2.2.3 Sites should be located and operated in such a way as to minimise the possibility of adverse environmental conditions having an undesired effect on the fish. 5.2.2.4 Farmers should have written contingency plans covering actions to be taken in the event of a serious incident, such as storm damage or water quality problems. These plans should consider both the welfare of the fish and environmental prote: 523 Design and Planning of Fanns, Equipment and Operating Systems 5234 The siting of tanks and enclosures should be considered with a view to opt conditions. ing fish welfare 5232 Equipment and farm design should protect the fish from predators, employing techniques that conform to the provisions of this CoGP. 5233 The design of shore bases and land-based fish farms should facilitate the control of predators and vermin (e.g. rats). 5234 Equipment should be designed in such a way as to avoid creating welfare problems forthe fish and be capable of being cleaned and disinfected. 52.35 Farm design should be such that daily inspect n of all stock is possible 5236 Farm design should allow the regular removal of moribund or dead fish as specified in the VHP. 5237 Farmers should be aware of, and consider the use of, new technology that improves the welfare of fish. 5238 Farmers should have access to reliable and relevant information on fish welfare. 52.39 Contingency plans should be in place in case of failure of the water supply or equipment which is critical to the welfare of the fish 524 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html ease-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Tanks and Other Land-Based Enclosures 52.44 Farms and fish holding units, inclu fish escapes. g inlets and outlets, should be designed in such a way as to mi 5242 The flow rate of water supplying holding facilities should be such that the fish receive sufficient water of suitable quality (especially in terms of oxygen content) to ensure that their welfare is optimised and that metabolic and other waste products are adequately removed. 525 Pons or Floating Enclosures 6254 Pens should be sited so as to allow an adequate flow of clean water to the fish, but without exposing them to extreme or harmful conditions that may damage them or the nets, cage collars and other equipment. 5252 The flow of water to which fish are exposed should not be so strong as to prevent them holding station. 5253 The size and proportions of pens should be sufficient to allow the fish to behave in a manner that is. conducive to high standards of welfare. 5254 Netting used in the construction of enclosures should present a smooth, non-abrasive surface to the fish. 5255 Biofouling should not be permitted to build up on pen nets to a level that impairs water flow through the mesh. 52.56 Nets should be checked often for damage, holes or excessive biofouling, and remedial action should be taken immediately to rectify any problems. 5257 Nets should be adequately tensioned to minimise distortion. 5258 Nets should be of a mesh size, quality and strength suitable for their purpose. 5259 Net depth should be sufficient to ensure that the net base does not come into contact with the loch fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html euae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice bed. 52.6 Water Quality in Tanks, Raceways and Ponds High standards of water quality are essential to the weltare of fish. Fish at afferent stages of development may have different water quality requirements, particulary in relation to dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, temperature, pH, ammonia and levels of suspended particulate material Itis, therefore, extremely important to maintain water quality parameters within tre known acceptable limits for the species concemed. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eanae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 52.64 Monitoring should be carried out to ensure that water quality parameters are maintained within the known acceptable limits for the species. The parameters measured and the monitoring intervals will depend on the system, species, stage of development and time of year. 5262 Where water quality parameters are outwith the acceptable range, steps should be taken to identify the cause and put in place remedial action as soon as possible. 5263 Where appropriate, automatic equipment fitted with alarms should be used to monitor water quality, 5264 Where the welfare of the fish is critically dependent on airloxygen supply or pumped water, automatic oxygen and water level monitoring equipment should be used. 5265 Aerationloxygenationiwater level monitoring equipment should be fitted with alarms and backup systems which are tested daily. 52.66 ‘Automatic and emergency back up and monitoring equipment should be routinely inspected, calibrated and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. 5267 Farmers should be familiar with water quality parameters for their stock and be able to recognise visual and behavioural indicators of inadequate water quality. 82.7 Light 6274 Levels of light to which fish are exposed should be appropriate to the species and stage of development. 272 Lighting which is optimal for fish welfare should be determined on a site by site basis using practical experience, research and specialist advice. 52.73 Fish species which are sensitive to high ambient light levels or ultraviolet light should be kept suitably shaded or otherwise protected, 274 Sudden changes in light levels should be avoided wherever possible. 528 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Inspection and Testing 52.84 Weather permitting, and having regard to health and safety conditions, all equipment should be visually inspected daily. 5282 Any defect should be immediately recorded and reported to supervisors. 5283 All defects should be immediately rectified and, where this is not possible, altemative measures put in place to safeguard fish welfare. 5.2.9 Predator Control Farmers have a duty under the provisions of The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to protect fish under their care from harm and Unnecessary suffering Freshwater and marine fish farms may be exposed to a number of predatory animal species which can cause considerable losses and seriously compromise the walfare of fish, This can represent very significant costs to farmers, directly through the immediate loss of fish and consequentially through losses arising as a consequence of damage to fish, sess, disease and damage to nets resulting in te escape of Tigh, The most significant predator species are seals, alters, mink, herons, and cormorants, along with some ther species of birds. Itis good practice to anticipate and prevent predation, and to adopt the correct management of predation problems when they occur. Effective predator contol is site specific and subjectto legislation, 5294 ‘Safeguarding farms and fish against predation should be taken into account in any risk assessment prepared when planning and siting a fish farm. 5292 Farmers should have standard operating procedures to prevent and manage predation problems. 5293. Farmers should log sightings of predators in the vicinity of fanns. 5294, Farmers should keep records of losses to predators and use of control systems. Birds Birds such as herons, cormorants, shags and gulls may attack fsh andior raid feed stores. ‘Anti-predator measures such as top nets or tensioned underwater nets visual scarers (e.g. scarecrows) and audio scarers (e.g.bangers) can be used. Ifsuch measures fall to control attacks and predatory birds are causing serious stock loss or damage, or are disturbing the fish stock, ‘an application may be made to Scotish Govemment fora licence to destroy them, Allwilé bitds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (under section 16(1)). Licences to kill or take a limited number of certain wild birds may be issued by Scotish Government as an ald and reinforcement to scaring measures. 52.95 Birds should be excluded by deploying permitted measures such as nets, strings, scarecrows and other systems designed for the purpose. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html earnae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 52.96 Birds may only be killed or taken if a licence has been issued by Scottish Goverment and the conditions specified in the licence must be followed. The conditions specified in the licence are as follow: ‘The specified method for killing birds must be followed; The specified maximum number of birds to be killed must not be exceeded; Documented records of birds killed must be kept When itis permissible by law to shoot a bird, it may only be done by a proficient named person, using an appropriate firearm and ammunition; 8297 Where a licence has not been granted, non- the problem. thal measures should be taken in an attempt to control Seals Seals are the most significant predator of fish, including farmed fish, in the marine environment Two species of seal are found in Scottish waters - the common or harbour seal (Phoca vtulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerys grypus)- and both are protected under ex:sting legislation. Itis good practice for salman farmers to use appropriate and site specific methods to deter seals observed inthe vicinity oftheir fish by using non-lethal measures. Recommended options where appropriate include: 5298 Exclusion of seals through the use of tensioned or false-bottomed nets. 52.99 The use of seal blinds to cover the dead fish basket is recommended 529.40 The daily removal of any dead fish from the dead-fish basket is recommended. 52941 Acoustic deterrent devices (ADD) should be used where and as permitted. 2.9.12 The use of predator nets, such as box or cone nets, may be used where other measures have failed. However, there may be a sk of enrspment of non-target species, such as binds, fh and other 529.43 Where predator nets are deployed, they should be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure they do not restrict water flow to the stock, but still provide an effective barrier to access by seals. 529.44 It is recommended that curtain nets are not used ‘Where properly applied ant-predator measures fail to control the problem and seals are causing serious stock loss or damage, or are putting fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html esse-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice the fish stock aris, lethal methods of control may be applied. ‘These measures must comply with current legislation which is set outin Section 6 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. This introduces a number fnew and different approaches to the management of seals to balance seal conservation with sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The new Act replaces "The Conservation of Seals Act 1970" and Part 6 makes it an offence to kill or injure a seal, except under licence. The new Actallows for the shooting ofa restricted numberof seals under licence as a last resor, the licence only being granted to meet specific, defined needs and subjectto a series of conditions. This process allows for licences to be granted to protect fish farms and the welfare of farmed fish, Licences can be applied for, and are granted, on an annual basis in advance. Allocation is based on a number of key factors, including: the contral measures in place, the resident seal population in the area and the scientifically assessed "permitted biological removal" igure forthe species in the licance area, ‘There are a number of conditions relating tothe licence, which must be complied with, including the following: ‘+ Identified marksmen must be nominated, who have either completed the relevant taining course or achieved accreditation; + Aspeciic type of firearm must be used (calibre and power); + Amaximum range tothe targets defined and must be complied with; + Shooting may only be undertaken in specific weather conditions; + Carcasses are to be recovered, unless this is not possible; + Reporting must be undertaken with the completion ofthe appropriate form; + Allapplicants must complete the SO! Ltd. Survey on Seals and Aquaculture, ‘The desbuctive contol ofa particular seal should be considered only as 4 last resort, afterall reasonable attempts have been made to exclude seals from farms. More information can be found at: hilpvww scotland cov ukiTopicsimarinell icensina/Seall ieansing Otters ters may feed on farmed fish or be altracted to cage sites. They are listed as species of European Community interest ane are afforded protection under the law. Otters must not be killed. In the absence of satisfactory allematives, farmers may apply to the Scotish Government for a licence to permit ve trapping and removal to another location. 529.16 Equipment should be deployed in such a manner as to reduce the likelihood of cage access by otters. Mink Mink may kil significant numbers of sh and are diffcull to exclude, They are an invasive non-indigenous species, are not protected by law, ‘and may be humanely trapped using live capture cages and killed ‘The mostlikely access point for mink is via the walkways. Well maintained and secure cage nets and top nets with a top net mesh of less than 3inches should be employed in an effort to deter mink 52917 Equipment should be deployed in such a manner as to reduce the likelihood of access by mink. Record Keeping 52918 Records of losses to predators and use of predator control systems should be maintained. 5.3 Stockmanship and Husbandry 5.3.1 General Provisions 5344 Companies should ensure that personnel have access to a copy of the current edition of the CoGP and are aware of their obligations under it. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eartae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 5342 Companies should have in place measures to minimise the risk of emergencies such as fire, leaks and problems with transportation. 5343 Companies should have in place contingency plans to minimise risks to the welfare of fish in the event of an emergency arising 5344 Farmers should be able to recognise indicators of reduced welfare in fish, including abnormal behaviour, physical Injury and symptoms of disease, and take remedial action in the event that such 5.3.2 Handling Live or Conscious Fish 83.24 Live fish should only be removed from water and handled when absolutely necessary. 5322 If fish are handled, adequate support should be by the gills or tail only. iven to the body - live fish should never be held 6323 Different species have different tolerance to being out of water, but the time out of water should never be so long as to produce signs of distress, 8324 Even for tolerant species, e.g. flatfish, the time out of water should be as short as possible when the air temperature is particularly high or low. 5325 ial to avoid contamination In all cases, fish should be kept we of gametes during stripping. xcept where blotting dry is essent 53.26 Where pumps, pipes and grading equipment are used, these should be properly designed and correctly set up so that they do not injure or unnecessarily stress fish. 5327 When hand nets are used they should be: + Of suitable proportions — physical size and mesh size; + Designed and constructed to minimise physical damage to fish; + Kept clean, disinfected and in good repair 5.3.3 Transfer to Sea ‘Transfer of salmon to sea should only take place when smoltifcation is apparent. Smolting status assessment ids identification of the transfer window. Suitable assessments include ATPase or salt water tolerance tests. Salt water tolerance testing involves a sample of juvenile salmon which show morphological and behavioural indications of having smoltfied being held in ull strength seawater equivalent 34 to 35 parts por fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html ene-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice thousand (opt) -for 24 hours. Blood samples are taken after 24 hours for testing for appropriate physiological parameters. 5334 Prior to transfer of juvenile Atlantic salmon to sea, the degree of smoltification in the population should be monitored for several weeks before the expected transfer date, so that the optimal time for transfer can be identified. 5332 Farmers should assess smolti allowing release to sea. ation of fish using an ATPase or salt water tolerance test before 5333 Fish must not be exposed to salt concentrations greater than 35 ppt. 5334 Saltwater tolerance tests can be aversive in non-smolting fish so it is the duty of the farmer immediately to kill any moribund fish and terminate the test if fish begin to show signs of distress. 5335 Farmers should be trained in the procedures for assessing smoltification and in minimising any negative effects on the welfare of the fish. 5336 These principles should be incorporated in the VHP and BP for other salmonids to be transferred from fresh to sea water. 5.3.4 Crowding 5344 Awritten procedure for crowding of fish should be prepared and personnel trained in the appropriate techniques. 5342 The frequency and duration of crowding should be kept to the minimum. 5343 Nets should be checked for tears and damage prior to crow be repaired before fish are crowded. ing and any damage detected should 5344 Farmers should: ‘monitor fish behaviour during crowding and take action if fish show signs of stress or remove and cull any moribund or damaged fish; censure that enclosure nets and screens are kept clean in order to avoid water quality problems during crowding; ‘monitor oxygen levels during crowding and take corrective action if level fall below a critical point for that ‘species (the critical point will vary between species and with environmental factors). 5.3.5 Removal and Disposal of Dead or Moribund fish fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eartae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 53.54 Fish should be inspected daily and dead or moribund fish should be removed, minimising handling to avoid stress to the live fish within the enclosure. 53.52 Where problems are identified during an inspection, prompt remedial action must be taken accordance with the VHP and BP to determine the cause and deal with the problem, including where appropriate consultation with a veterinary surgeon or fish health expert. 5353 Records should be kept of each inspection, which include the number of dead fish removed and the cely cause of death, as determined by a competent person. 5354 Dead fish must be disposed of according to current legislation. 5355 Permission must be requested from MSS prior to the disposal of any dead fish from sites that are subject to controls for listed diseases. 5.3.6 Marking 5364 Marking methods that cause significant distressor injury to farmed fish should not be used 5.4 Feeding ‘The selection offeeds and feeding regimes is era tosh weltare and care. Tisis covered specially in Chapter 6 on Feed and Feeding 5.4.1 Withholding of feed Before transport or harvest, feed should be withheld to reduce metabolic rate and the excretion of waste products, and to eliminate the presence of food andlor faecal material in the gut at harvest, thus minimising the risk of microbiological contamination during processing 5444 The period during which fish are deprived of food to achieve gut clearance prior to certain procedures or harvesting should be appropriate to the species and temperature. 5412 Complete withdrawal of food should not be used as a means of ‘conditioning’ fish prior to harvest. 5413 Feed withdrawal may form part ofthe response to adverse environmental conditions and in the treatment of certain diseases (©, pancreas disease of Atlantic salmon). Veterinary advice should be sought on this, as appropriate, feed withdrawal being included in the VHP and BP. 5.5 Breeding 564 Handling of broodstock should be kept to a minimum for the task being undertaken. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eariae-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 55.2 Procedures should only be carried out by properly trained and competent personnel. 553 Live fish that are to be stripped of eggs or milt should be properly anaesthetised and handled carefully at all times. 554 The use of anaesthetics should be addressed in the VHP and BP. 555 Repeat-spawners that are regularly removed from the broodstock tank should be appropriately marked (e.g. pit tagging) by trained personnel so that individual fish can easily be located without stressing other fish in the population. 55.6 If broodstock are to be culled, this should be done prior to stripping and slaughter methods appropriate to the species must result in rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness. 5.6 Stocking Density ‘Asa general ule, stocking density may be adjusted inline withthe biological and behavioural needs of fish having regard tothe prevailing ‘environmental conditions and, in particular, water quality. Te farming system in which the fish are held and the ability to maintain high standards of water quality are important defining factors in determining optimum stocking density. For marine salmon farms, welfare indicators, such as condition factor and fin condition, may also be taken into account in determining the appropriate stocking density. Research on stocking densily for other species is ess well developed. 56.1. Stocking density should be monitored in relation to health, fish beha welfare is not compromised. ur and water quality to ensure that fish 562. Immediate attention should be 5.7 Grading 574. iven to any problems that arise. ‘The avoidance of injury and stress to fish should be a primary consideration when deciding on the method of grading to be employed 812. Grading equipment should be designed and maintained so as not to damage the fish s73. Detalls of planned frequency and procedures for grading should be part of the VHP and BP. 5.8 Transport of Live Fish 581 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html raise-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice All of those responsible for the transportation of fish must be aware of their obligations under relevant legislation. 582 Crowding of fish before collection for transport should be kept to a minimum. 583 Fish should be transported in such a way that possible adverse effects on their welfare are 584 Bio security and fish welfare should be considered before transporting fish populations. 585 Fish exhibiting clinical signs of disease, injured fish and dead fish must not be loaded for transport. 58.6 For lorry and wellboat transport, oxygen monitoring should be carried out with sufficient frequency to ensure that oxygen levels are maintained within safe limits at all times. 587 Control systems for oxygenation of water should be such that adjustments may be made timeously. 58.8 Supplementary oxygen or air supplies should be suffi Journey, including helicopter transport. nt to last longer than the anticipated length of the 58.9 Excessive or rapid changes in water temperature or pH in transport tanks should be avoided. 5.10 Any fish that die during transportation should be separated from live fish as soon as possible after arrival and the cause of death determined by a competent person, saat Deaths or injuries to fish during transportation must be recorded. sa2 Transport water should not be discharged en route directly into natural watercourses. 5.9 Harvesting and Cul 594 General Provisions ‘When killing fish for harvesting or other purposes, the undemoted provisions should be taken into account. S944 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rinse-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘Slaughter methods for fish for market should be appropriate to species and must result in rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness until death supervenes. This is a statutory requirement under the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations 1995. 59.12 Carbon dioxide does not satisfy general welfare criteria for routine use and shouldonly be used for emergency slaughter. 5913 Fish should be fasted for the minimum period necessary to clear the gut of feed and faeces. 5944 Crowding fish prior to harvesting should be for the minimum time possible, especially where more than one crowding session is necessary to complete the harvest. 59.45 Killing efficiency should be monitored by a proficient person to ensure fish do not regain consciousness prior to death. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html‘m6 ‘Scatish Salmon The Code of Go Practice 6. FEED AND FEEDING “Enhancing the industry's reputation for respecting the environment through adoption of best practice and greener technologies and reducing the impact on wild fisheries by increasing use of alternative feed source: From: A Fresh Start The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (2009) 6.1 Introduction ‘The choice of feed by farmers is defined according tothe nutritional requirements and welfare needs of the fish being farmed. These relate to the species, stage of growth and other factors but the feed formulation also reflects food safety requirements, consumer requirements, the sustainabiliy of feed components and, more generally, the environmental footprint of fish farming activities. ‘The legislation and controls which govern the manufacture of feeds are extensive and detailed, covering aspects such as: feed hygiene; non. permitted feed ingredients; feed compositional quality; permitted additives (e.g vitamins, flavourings, binders etc.) animal and food-consumer safety; and marketing, raceabiliy and labelling. Most of te legislation applicable in the UK is derived from EU measures either via Directives which are transposed into relevant Member State legislation of Regulations, which apply directly in the Member States but require local legislation to enable their statutory regulation and enforcement. For example, the main relevant EU Directives on animal feed have been transposed in Scotand through the Feeding Stuffs (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (as modified by later legislation), whereas the EC Feed Hygione Regulation (183/205) was introduced through the Food (Hygiene and Enforcoment) (Scotland) Regulations 2005. brief overview ‘of te regulation of animal feed, including fish feed, is provided by the FSA htp:/\vwnu food gov ubloodindustryland the detailed legislation can be accessed thraugh the Office of Public Sector Information. httsivwrw ops qov.uk Fish feed manufacturing is a specialist sector of the feed manufacturing industry and fish farmers wll therefore generally source their food through specialist commercial supplies, who must operate within the relevant feed legislation ang strict regulatory controls, Tat situation is therefore reflected in this section of he CoG?. 6.2 Feed Formulation Feed formulation is critical in influencing he rate of growth and potential efficiency of feed conversion of farmed fish. By determining the feed ingredients itferent characteristics and costs can be achieved. Feeds used for fish such as salmon and trout are formulated with an inclusion offish meal supplying high-quality protein and essential fish oils. However, with advances in ish nutriton, modem fish feeds can be formulated with a substantial replacement of fsh meal and oil with altemative vegetable sources. Farmers therefore consult with their feed suppliers or nutron experts to ensure that the feed purchased best meets thelr production and end-product objectives. 624 Feed should be sourced from suppliers who participate in the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS), www.agindustries.org.ukor, where this is not the case, farmers should obtain and hold on file written confirmation from their feed supplier that the feed supplied meets the requirements of UK and European legislation. 622 Farmers should ensure, through labelling information or documentary assurance, that they use feeds that have been formulated for the species and life stage of fish being grown. 623 In the event that there is not a specifically-designated commercial diet available for the finish species question, farmers experimenting with cultivation of new finfish species should seek advice from feed suppliers and/or independent fish nutrition experts as to the most appropriate type of feed to use. 624 Farmers should regularly review the specification and use of diets with their supplier with a view to effecting improvements in performance. 625 Farmers should use feed suppliers who have in place programmes for monitoring levels of undesirable substances in feed and ensure that levels of such substances are within legal I fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html range-mov015 ‘Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 6.2.6 Monitoring schemes should be reviewed and revised to take into account substances giving rise to new areas of public concern. 62.7 Where fish, or parts of fish, are to be used to feed broodstock, these should be pasteurised, irradiated or otherwise processed to a standard that ensures that the feed is microbiologically safe. 6.3 Feed Delivery 63.1 To minimise the risk of horizontal transmission of disease, feed deli accordance with Annex 9. ries by boat should be undertaken in 632 Deliveries should be made to a single FMA, to sites of the same health status or to those of the highest health status first. 6.4 Use of Feed Compared with warm blooded terrestial farm animals, including pigs and poulty farmed fish are highly eficient in their feed ullisation of feed consumed, However, achieving these high efficiencies under farm conditions requires close attention to the use of feed 64a Allfarmers should have a written feed management plan, which includes the following poin + feeding the correct feed size for the fish; + feeding the correct amount of feed to any population of fish, in the proper manner and over the correct period(s) of the day; + regular monitoring of feed conversion efficiency (following sample weighing), and assessment of whether feeding protocols and guidelines to assist farm personnel are effective, + the use of feedback loop! feeding systems should be considered, since these improve conversion efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and generally ensure that finfish feed is used as efficiently as possible, ity One widely quoted definition is that ofthe Bruntland Commission (1987) which said ‘sustainable developments development tat meets the needs of te present without compromising the abiliy of future generations to meet their own needs’. Later the World Summit (2005) highlighted that ‘sustainability’ requires the reconciliation and balancing of three pillars’ so that it addresses environmental, economic and social demands. More recently, others have used ‘sustainability’ in an ecological sense to address Man's demands of the earths ‘ecological services’, and yet others have focused on climate change issues and have applied concepis of sustainability’ in relation to greenhouse gas, ‘generation and carbon footprint assessments. 6.5 Sustainal \With regard to aquaculture and specifically salmon and trout farming, where research studies have been undertaken, the effciency of use of foed resources is high compared withthe production of food from terrestrial animals and is much higher than the feed conversion in wild-catch fisheries. Likewise, the huge increase in aquaculture producton that has taken place over the past 30 years has been achieved without any trend of inerease in global fish meal production, although there has been a substantial diversion of fish meal use from pig and paulty into aquaculture, and there has been improved efficiency in the use of fsh trimmings from the human food-chain for fsh meal production. Thus on. any ofthese measures aquaculture has contributed positively to sustainabilly and has demonstrated itis sustainable. ‘Against this background the main focus ofthis CoGP is that fish-catch supplies used in the manufacture of fish meal are sourced from fisheries that are properly and responsibly managed, 651 Farmers should request a written declaration from their feed supplier that the fishmeal and fish oil used in the manufacture of their feed was obtained from fisheries: fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html ranesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice + whose vessels are registered within a state that has publicly subscribed to the FAO's ‘Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries" hitshyww a0 org/dacrep/005iv9878eN9878200 HTM andlor; + which has been recognised by the International Fish Meal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO), as publicised by the Fish Meal Information Network (FIN) and others, as having ‘independent national or international mat quivalent reputable and globally recognised standard of responsible operation. + or which has met the terms of some ANNEX 1 Members of the CoGP Wo! 19 Group Members Alan Balfour, SSPO Representative’ David Bassett, BTA Representative’ Jim Gallagher, SSPO Representative’ Scott Landsburgh, CoGP Group Secretariat’ Gideon Pringle, Freshwater Representative’ Derek Robertson, BMFA Representative’ Phil Thomas, Chairman! Technical Advisors Charles Allan, Marine Scotland Science* Jamie Smith, SSPO John Webster, SSPO* Executive Consultant Richard Turner Documents Secretary Lesley Jenkins, SSPO 1 Member of the CoGP Management Group. 2 Regulatory Advisor to the CoGP Management Group, 3 Technical Advisor to the CoGP Management Group. agement controls’ ‘The mombers ofthe Working Group were drawn from the CoGP Management Group, which has overseen the implementation of the CoGP since 2006, and its Technical and Regulatory Advisors. Richard Tumer acted as Executive Consultant on the revision project; and Jamie ‘Smith undertook adsitional technical work. Representatives of the main Certiying Body, Food Certification International Lid, attended meetings where appropriate and contibutions on specific topies were also ablained from other independent advisors. ANNEX 2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 1. Glossary of Terms fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rari98sno12015 Bateh: Biosecurity ‘Competent authority: Disinfection: Documented risk assessment: EN 45011 Fallowing: Farm Management Statement Harvest station: 8014004 Locational Guidelines: Multhyear class site: Nomnativ ‘Omega-3 fatty acids: Primary Processing: Primary Production: Production farm (or production unit: Restocking! Salmonid: Sea lice: Single-year class: ‘Traceability: Sustainable development: ‘Transgenic: 2. Abbreviations: Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Progeny from a "batch’ of eggs would be defined as the progeny from a single hatchery season of production Measures designed to protect a population ftom transmissible infectous diseases, Porson or organisation thathas the legally delegated or invested authority, anacily, or power to perform a designated funation For example, as applied to equipment or pumped seawater installations; the treatment of equipment or seawater to inactivate agents capable of causing disease in fish, In the cases relating to fish health, the documented risk assessment should be based on Annex 8 (OIE). In ll other cases a simplified risk assessment covering relevant aspects of the risks and the decisions taken s sufficient. European standard for bodies operating product certification systems. Practice of leaving pens empty of fish fora period of time, Document seting out key aspects of a company’s operation within an FMA, Aland ot sea-based site dedicated to harvesting of fish International Standards Organisation quality standards for environmental management systems. ‘A guidance document produced and annually updated by Marine Scotand Science, providing advice on location of fish farms on the basis of water body classification, relating o dissolved nultients and sedimentaton of particulates, Asie which contains more than one year class of fish A species that does not originate in Scotland and which has been introduced from other parts of the world by humans, either deliberately or accidentally. Beneficial long-chain fatly acids, EPA and DHA, of which oly fish, such as salmon and trout, are a rich souree Primary processing refers to the removal of internal organs and, as appropriate, the gills rom slaughtered and bled fh: the washing and cleaning of eviscerated fish; and the packing of washed eviscerated ish in boxes. Primary production and associated operations include the transport, storage, and handling of sh atthe place of production provided that this does not substantially alter theirnature and the transpor of lve fish rom the place of production to a processing establishment, ‘An installation used for ongrowing fish to market size. ‘The cultivation of fish for introduction to both open and closed water bodies for the purpose of stock enhancement Natural members ofthe salmanid family; in Scottish aquaculture, particularly Salmo salar (salman), Salmo truta (brown ‘rout and sea trout) and Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow tout), Lepeoptheirus salmonis Krayer and Caligus efongatus Nordmann, marine ectoparasites of salmonids. ‘Any group of fish stocked into a site over any six-month period. For marine species, a year class is defined by the calendar year of production of he juvenile fish, Defined in EU law as: “The ability to race and follow @ food, teed, food-producing animal or substance ... Through all stages of production, processing and cistribution”. Often defined as evelopment that meets the needs of te present without compromising theability of future generations to ‘meet their own needs! (see Section 6.4 of tex!) Containing genetic material introduced from another species by techniques of genetic engineering, fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rarivesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ADD Acoustic Deterrent Device ‘Area Management Agreement (Established between farming, fsheries owners and other interests under the Tripartite Working Group model, or otherwise; see Section 3 of text) AMA, AMG Area Management Group (Group overseeing an AMA; see Section 25 of tex!) BMFA Brish Marine Finfish Association BP Biosecurty Plan BS British Standards BTA —_Brish Trout Association CAR Controlled Activites Regulation CEFAS Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science CoGP Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Aftairs DMA Disease Management Area (area designated for management of transmissible diseases see Section 2.5 of ext) FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation (United Nations) FEPA Food and Environment Protection Act FHI Fish Health inspectorate (of Marine Scotland Science) FIN Fish Meal Information Network FMA Farm Management Area (area designated for cooperation and management under the CoGP; see Section 3.5 of text) FMAg Farm Management Agreement (Agreement between farmers covering an FMA; see Section 3.5 of text) GPS Global Positioning System Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (A risk analysis and control methodology originally developed for food safety assurance.) HSE Health and Safely Executive IFFO International Fish Meal and Fish Oil Organisation ISA Infectious Salmon Anaemia 'SLM Integrated Sea Lice Management MA Marketing Authorisation MCA — Maritime and Coastguard Agency MGA Ministerial Group on Aquaculture (2003-present) MS Marine Scotland MSS — Marine Scotland Science MWGA. Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture (2003-2008) NTS National Treatment Strategy (forthe Contral of Sea Lice an Seatish Salmon Farms) IE —_Offce international des Epizooties (World Organisation for Animal Health) SAR Suspected Adverse Reaction SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SSPO Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation UKAS Tne United Kingdom Accreditation Service VHP Veterinary Health Plan HaccP ANNEX 3 Other Codes and Guides ‘The following existing codes or guides were consulted during the preparation ofthis CoGP. +A Code of Practice fo Avoid and Minimise the Impact of infectious Salmon Anaemia (!SA) hhtouwww marlab ac uWFRS Web/Uploads/ISACodeo Practice pdf + The Shetland Salmon Farmers Association Code of Best Practice hito:tiwww ishuk net fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html Tnesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice + The British Trout Association Code of Practice tuto brishroutco.uk + The Federation of European Aquacuiture Producers Code of Conduct tuto feap info + The SSGA Predator Code of Practice num scotshsalmon co.uk + The SQS Environmental Management Guidance Manual bitouvaw scottishsalmon co.uk + SQS/SSFACode of Practice on Containment bitouwaw scotishsalmen.co.uk + Code of Pracice lo Avoid the Intoduetion of Gyrodactylussalars fo GB todtwmw scotland cov uklUploads/DocumentsiCaPGyrod od +S Seatico bnto mw scotishsalmon.co.uk + VMO Code of Practice on the Responsible Use of Animal Medicines onthe Farm bitouvaw vmd.qov.ukiGeneralVMRIRUGOP pdf + FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries foiii fa0.oraldocrenytani00aWA4sGeNNé93e00.n0 + British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association Cod of Practice bhtosmw salmonfarmers orakitesidefauliflesatachmentsicodeatoractie’ pdt + Health and Safety on Floating Fish Farm Installations hitouaw hse aov.ukloubnssinds28 pat + Electrical installations on and About Sea and Inland Water Located Fish Farms www scotishsaleon.co.uk ANNEX 4 ‘Some Relevant Food and Feed Legislation ‘The legal requirements that apply tothe operation of aquaculture establishments and vessels cover basic Issues of food safety, most of which meet requirements set by the European Union and related Scotish regulations. itis the interpretation of these regulations and procedures of best practice which are reflected in this CoGP. Some main components of the relevant food and feed regulations are outlined below. Food Legislation ‘The Food Safety Act, 1990 isthe central Act of Food Safely. establishes the essential principles of food safety, gives powers tothe competent authorities to enforce food safety and provides a means of enacting subsidiary Regulations on more detailed aspects of food safely. Al persons in the food industy, including farmers, are subject to the Food Safely Act 1990. This Act establishes the basic requirement roto supply food thatis considered unsafe, as dafined by the Act. EC Regulation No. 178/2002 on the General Principles of Food Law came into force on the 1" January 2005, This is enforced by the Food Safety Act 1990 (amendment) Regulations 2004 and the General Food Regulations 2004 which introduce requirements for food traceability and product recall Ec Regulation No.852/2004 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs came into force on 1 January 2008. established basic hygiene rules fr all fod businesses and includes a specific set of hygiene rules for primary production, including training requirements. The general rules include the ragistration of food businesses and the implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Contral Points (HACCP) methodology by food processors, manufacturers and retailers. Full HACCP methodology is notnitially being required for primary food production but management systems based on HACCP principles are required. In practice many primary producer businesses have adopted a HACCP approach. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rariaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice EC Regulation No.853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food af animal origin also came into force on 1 January 2006. It established additional, more detailed sets of hygiene rules for specific foods, including fishery products. treplaced Council Directive 91/493/EEC which was implemented in the UK by the Food Safely (Fishery Products and Live Shelifsh) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998. These hygiene Regulations do not apply o activites defined as primary production or tothe farmer who sells direcly tothe final consumer or businesses supplying the fish consumer directly. However, such a sale must be within the local or neighbouring food authority and is limited to a total maximum of 25 tonnes. Note, Regulation 178/2002 will apply under all circumstances and product supplied must not be unsafe, ‘The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (and the corresponding regulations for England, Wales and Northem reland) came into force on 11 January 2006 and enforced the Regulations EC No 852/2004 and EC No 853/2004 and set penallies for offences. Italeo contained national legislation which Member States ofthe EU are required or allowed to make. Feed Legislation Feed purchased from an authorised feed manufacturer or supplier will be provided with bate or package labelling in accordance with legal requirements and will be supported by a formal scheme meeting quality assurance standards, Where feed is supplied from outwith the UK, farmers shauld seek written confirmation that itwill meet ll UK legal requirements. Handling and storage of feed on farm or at the shore base is the farmer's responsibilty and must be undertaken to maintain feed quality and avoid feed contamination. ‘The Feed Hygiene Regulation (183/200) came into effectin January 2006. tapplies to businesses that make, use or market animal feeds, This includes most livestock farms, arable farms that grow, use or sel crops for feed use, and also fish farms. Itreplaced existing legislation on ‘approval and registration under the Feeding Stuff (Establishments and Intermediaries) Regulations 1999, Farmers, as primary producers, have to follow basic hygiene procedures in relation tothe feed they use or graw and must ensure that hazards are properly assessed and risks are controlled. ANNEX 5 Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rangesrow2015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice INTRODUCTION Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) isa step by slep approach to managing food safely risks. Ili not current a legal requirement for primary production operations which are only required to operate management systems based on HACCP principles. However, in practice, many businesses have adopted a HACCP approach and itis recommended that HACCP is implemented to maintain the industry commitment to food safety ‘This Annex provides an overview of HACCP implementation. For further information it should be read in conjunction with The Codex. Alimentarius Commission Recommended Code of Practice, General Principles of Food Hygiene CACIRCP 1-1969 Revision 4 (2003), which provides a detailed coverage of HACCP implementaton techniques. The application of Codex Principles isa requirement of article 5 of EC. Regulation 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs and a HACCP study must be carried out in accordance with recognised HACCP methodology. HACCP is a methodological approach which identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards which can have significant implications for food safety. t's science-based and systematic, identiving specific hazards and measures for their control to ensure the safety off00d, HACCP is a tool fo assess hazards and establish control systems that focus on prevention rather than relying mainly on end-praduet testing HACCP can be applied throughout the food chain from primary production to final consumption and its implementation should be guided by Scientific evidence of risks to human healtn (the underlying methodology has now been adopted more widely in a range ofindusties and settings). The successful application of HACCP requires the full commitment and involvement of management and the workforce. also requires a mult disciplinary approach; this, depending on the circumstances being evaluated, mightinclude: expertise in agronomy. veterinary health; animal production; microbiology: medicine; public health; food technology; environmental health: chemisty; and engineering ‘The application of HACCP is compatible with the implementation of quality management systems, such as the ISO $000 series, and is the system of choice in the management of food safety within such systems. However, the HACCP concept can also be applied to other aspects of food quality PRINCIPLES OF THE HACCP SYSTEM For those initally adopting the HACCP system, itcan frst appear rather daunting because ofits use of an unfamiliar vocabulary of terms (see ‘Appendix 1, Annex 6). In realty much ofthe HACCP approach is common sense and simply depends on quantiying where food safety, contamination or quality problems can occur and putting in place measures to avoid them and to detect when those measures are not being effective. The HACCP system consists of the following seven principles. + PRINCIPLE 1 - Conduct a hazard analysis. + PRINCIPLE 2 Determine the Critical Control Points (CGPS), + PRINCIPLE 3- Establish critcal limits) + PRINCIPLE 4- Establish a system to monitor contol of the CCP. + PRINCIPLE 5- Establish the corrective action to be taken when monitoring indicates that a particular CCP is not under control + PRINCIPLE 6 - Establish procedures for verifcation to confirm that tie HACCP system is working effectively. + PRINCIPLE 7 - Establish documentation concerning all procedures and records appropriate to these principles and their application, GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE HACCP SYSTEM Points to Note + Prior to application of HACCP to any sector ofthe food chain, that sector should have in place prerequisite programs such as good hygienic practices. ‘+ These prerequisite programs to HACCP, including training, should be well established, fully operational and verified in order to facilitate the successful application and implementation of the HACCP system. + For all types of food business, management awareness and commitment is necessary for implementation ofan effective HACCP system. The effectiveness will also rely upon management and employees having the appropriate HACCP knowledge and skils. + The intent ofthe HACCP systems to focus control at Critical Control Points (CPs) + HACCP should be applied to each specific operation separately. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html easesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice + The HACCP application should be reviewed, and necessary changes made, when any modification is made in the product, process, or in any step therect. + Training of personnel in HACCP principles is essential for the effective implementation ofthe system. Application ‘The full application of HACCP principles consists of the 12 steps shown in Figure 1 and outlined below. (Steps 6 to 12 correspond to Codex. Alimentarius Principles 1 to 7.) 1. Assemble @ HACCP team ‘The food operation should assure that the appropriate specific knowledge and expertise is available for he development ofan effective HACCP plan, 2. Describe product A full description of he product should be drawn up, including relevant safety information such as: composition, physical/chemical structure (including added water, pH, etc.) any microcidal or other treatments, packaging, durabilly and storage conditions and method of distribution, 3. dentity intended use ‘The intended use should be based on the expected uses ofthe productby the end user or consumer. In specific cases, vulnerable groups of the population, eg. institutional catering, may have to be considered. 4. Construct flow diagram ‘Aflow diagram should be constructed by the HACCP team; it should cover all stops in the operation relating to a specific product and sories of processes. 5. On-site confirmation of flowdiagram ‘Stops must be taken to confirm the processing operation against the flow diagram during all stages ofthe operation and amend the flow diagram, where appropriate. The confrmation of the Low diagram should be performed by a person or persons with good knowledge of the operations. 6. List all potential hazards associated with each step of the operation, conduct a hazard analysis, and consider any measures to Control identified hazards (see PRINCIPLE 1) ‘The HACC? team should listall ofthe hazards that may be reasonably expected to occur at each step according tothe scope of the evaluation, rom primary production, processing, manufacture, and distibution until the point of consumption, as appropriate. The team should next conduct a hazard analysis to identily, for the HACCP plan, which hazards are of such a nature that their elimination or reduction to acceptable levels is essential o the production of a safe food. In conducting the hazard analysis, the following should be included, wherever possible: + the likely occurrence of hazards and severity of thelr adverse health effects; + the qualitative andlor quanttatve evaluation of the presence of hazards; + survival or multiplication af micro-organisms of concern; + production or persistence in foods of toxins, chemicals or physical agents + conditions leading to any ofthe above. Consideration should then be given to what control measures, ifany exist can be applied to each hazard. More than one control measure may be requited to control a specific hazard(s) and more than one hazard may be controlled by a specified contol measure. 7. Determine Critical Control Points (see PRINCIPLE 2) ‘There may be more than one CCP at which control is applied to address the same hazard. The determination of a CCP in the HACCP system can be facilitated by the application of a decision tree which adopis a logical approach (as an example, see Figure 2). Application of a decision tree should be flexible, given whether the operation is for production, slaughter, processing, storage, distribution or other. I'should be Used for guidance when determining COPs. 8, Establish eritical limits for each CCP (see PRINCIPLE 3) Critcaltimits must be specified and validated for each CCP. In some cases, more than one critical limitwill be elaborated at a particular step. Criteria often used include measurements of temperature, time, moisture level, BH, wetness (added water) and sensory parameters, such as visual appearance and texture. These critical limits should be measurable. 9. Establish a monitoring system foreach CCP (see PRINCIPLE 4) fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Monitoring is the scheduled measurement or observation of a CCP relative to is critical limits, Monitoring procedures mustbe able to detect, loss of control at the CCP and should ideally provide information in time to make adjustments to ensure contol of the process to prevent Violating the eiical limits, Where possible, process adjustments should be made when monitoring results indicate a trend towards loss of control at a CCP. The agjustments should be taken before a deviation occurs. Data derived from monitoring must be evaluated by a designated person with knowledge and authority to carry out corrective actions when indicated 10, Establish corrective actions (see PRINCIPLE 5) Specific corrective actions mustbe developed for each CCP in the HACCP system in order to deal with deviations when they occur. The actions must ensure that the CCP has been brought under control. Actions taken must also include proper procedures for dealing with the affected product. Deviation and actions taken in dealing with the affected product must be documented in the HACCP record keeping. 11. Establish verification procedures (see PRINCIPLE 6) Verifeation and auditing methods, procedures and tests, including random sampling and analysis, can be used to determine ifthe HACCP system is working correctly, The frequency of verification should be sufficient o confirm that the HACCP system is working effectively Verification should be carried out by someone other than the person who is responsible for performing the monitoring and corrective actions. \Where certain verification activities cannot be performed in house, verification should be performed by qualified third parties. Examples of verification activites include: + review ofthe HACCP system and plan and its records; + review of deviations and product dispositions; + confirmation that CCPs are kept under control 12, Establish Documentation and Record Keeping (SEE PRINCIPLE 7) Efficient and accurate record keeping is essential tothe application of a HACCP system. HACCP procedures should be documented. Documentation and record keeping should be appropriate to the nature and size ofthe operation and suffcientto assist te business to verify thatthe HACCP controls are in place and being maintained. In many cases a simple worksheet approach (see Figure 3) will be suficient, although computer-based records are often adopted. DIAGRAM 1 - LOGIC SEQUENCE FOR THE APPLICATION OF HACCP fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eanaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘Assemble HACCP Team ¥ Describe Product v Identify ltended Use v Construct Flow Disgram ¥v On-site Confiemation of Flow Diagram ¥ List all Potential Hazards 6 ‘Conduct a Hazard Anas Consider Control measares v Determine CCPs ¥ Establish Critical Limits foreach CCP v [Eptablish a Monitoring System foreach CCP v 10. Establish Corrective Accions v Establish Verification Procedures v [Exblish Documentation and Record-heeping a ry DIAGRAM 2~ EXAMPLE OFDECISION TREE TO IDENTIFY CCPs (answer questions insequence) fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sargesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Isthestep piel dent climate or a Teduce inistycccarensofs tara at resale @ ‘Witlasuisaycn sepetimne dees art or recs kl oesuene te aces ert” a DIAGRAM 3 EXAMPLE OF A HACCP WORKSHEET ¥ * Proceodt the nest ienified hazard inthe doseribed process 7 Acceptable andunaceaptble levels need ta he determined within the overall cbjectives inideniying the CCPs ofthe HACC plan fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sargesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 1 DESCRIBE PRODUCT 2 DIAGRAM PROCESS FLOW List g | Fe les |e « |% |28 Je fs |3¢ Foe |e |8 aE lie |i = /°s £2 /o2 |e ‘ VERIFICATION Appendix 1 Definition of HACCP Terminology fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html asaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Control verb): To take all necessary actions to ensure and maintain compliance with criteria established in the HACCP plan Control (noun): The state wherein correct procedures arebeing followed and criteria are being met. contro ‘Any action and actly hat can be used to preventor eliminate a food safaty hazard or reduce itto an acceptable level Corrective py acon tbe taken when te resus ofmoniorng a he CCP ndcate os of contol Critical Control A step at which control can be applied and is essential to prevent or eliminate a food safety hazard or reduce itto an Point (CCP): acceptable level Critical mit: Acriterion which separates acceptability from unacceptably Deviation: Failure to meetaa critical limit A systematic representation of the sequence of steps or operations used inthe production or manufacture of particular Flow dagram: Coaiom. . meeren . Hacce: ‘system which identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards which are significant for food safely ‘Addocument prepared in accordance with the principles of HACCP to ensure contol of hazards which are significant for HACEP plans. safety in the segment ofthe food chain under consideration. Hazard: biological, chemical or physical agentin, or condition of, food withthe potential to cause an adverse health effect. Hazard ‘The process of collecting and evaluating information on hazards and conditions leading to their presence to decide which analysis: are significant for food safely and therefore should be addressed in the HACCP plan ‘The act of conducting a planned sequence of observations or measurements of control parameters to assess whether a ‘Monitor CCP is under contra A point, procedure, aperation or stage in the food chain including raw materials, from primary production to final Step: ‘consumption. Validation: Oblaining evidence that the elements of he HACCP plan are effective. ._ The application of methods, procedures, tests and other evaluations, in addition to monitoring to determine compliance Verification: ity the HACCP plan, ANNEX 6 Fish Health Legislation ‘The following list of legal instruments is not necessarily exhaustive, but does include the main instruments which pertain to aquaculture in Scotland. ‘The Aquatic Animal Health (Scotland) Regulations 2009 + Requites the authorisation of aquaculture production businesses (APBs) and processing facilities (PFs) wishing to process fish fom APRs infected with certain listed diseases and subjects APBs and PFs to conditions associated with their authorisation + Requires that non-commercial undertakings, putand take fisheries and specialist transporters are registered + Requires thatthe competent authority establishes and maintains a publicly available register of authorised APBs and PFS. + Applies certain conditions, certification requirements and provisions onthe placing on the market of aquaculture animals. + Requires disease prevention measures to be taken when aquaculture animals are transported. + Requires that records are kept whon aquaculture animale are transported + Obliges relevant persons to report the suspicion or confirmation of diseases or increased mortality in aquatic animals. (Relevant Person is defined as the owners or persons attending aquatic animals, persons accompanying aquaculture animals during transport, any veterinarian or other professional involved in providing health services to those aquatic animals and any other person with an ‘occupational relationship with aquatic animals.) + Requires the competent authority to make inital designation notices (IDNs) or confirmed designation notices (CDNs) where it suspects, fr knaws that listed or emerging disease is present in aquatic animals in Scotand; stpulates what information ang conditions may be contained in these IDNs and CDNs; stipulates what actions an inspector may take where an IDN or CDN is in place, how IDNs and CONS are published and when they must be withdrawn ‘+ Gives an inspector powers to enter land and premises, search and examine that land or premises, require the production of documents, seize items and serve enforcement notices. also lays out when and how a person may appeal to the competent authority ‘The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html eariaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice + Gives the purposes that an inspector may carry out inspections of fish farms and shellfish farms with regard to parasites and their Control, including the collection of samples and examining and taking copies of documents. + Gives the purposes that an inspector may carry outinspections of fish farms witn regard to ascertaining whether an escape of fish has ‘occurred, ascertaining the risk of an escape, assessing the containment and prevention of escapes measures as well as the measures in place to recover escaped fish. Inspections may include the collection of samples, examining and taking copies of documents and for the carrying outof tests where appropriate. + Gives the purposes for which enforcement notices may be served. These are: the prevention and reduction of parasites; the containment of sh; the prevention of te escape of fish; and the recovery of escaped fish. + Details when an inspector may enter a fish farm and for what purpose, whom and what they make take with them and lays out the general ofences, ‘The Fish Farming Businesses (Record Keeping) (Scotland) Order 2008, + Exercises powers to make an order in The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 and requires the maintenance and retention of ecords in relation tothe prevention, control and reduction of parasites; and the maintenance and retention of records in relation to the containment, prevention and recovery of farmed fish. ‘Tho Prohibition of K ing or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) (Scotland) Order 2003 + Itis an offence to keep or release any fish ofthe specias listed in he schedules to the Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) (Scotland) Order without a licence granted by the Scotish Ministers. ‘The Animal By-Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 +The Animal By-Products Regulation provides a definition of high ris and low risk material and prescribes the appropriate methods of disposal of such material. High risk material includes fish that have died but were not slaughtered for human consumption. High risk ‘material must be disposed of by rendering, incineration or, in exceptional circumstances only, burial. ‘The Importation of Salmonid Viscera Order 1986 + tis an offence to import any viscera of sh of the family Salmonidae, whether or not detached from dead fish, witiout a licence, ‘The ful toxt ofthe Regulations, Acts and Orders listed above can be found in full atthe Office of Public Sector Information (OPI) web-site at hlp:iwww.opsi.gov.uk . Details ofall the EC legislation pertaining to fish health, including links to Directives, Decisions and Regulations, can be oblained at htp:/eur-lex.europa eulenvindex him. ANNEX 7 Guidelines for a Veterinary Health Plan (VHP) and Biosecurity Plan (BP) Introduction ‘A Votorinary Health Plan (VHP) and Biosecurity Plan (BP), which may be combined within a single document, must be prepared by each ish farming company in collaboration with their veterinary surgeon, Each VHP must be developed specifically o cover he health and welfare requirements of individual farms or sits. The VHP and BP are dynamic document(s) which must take account of current scientific and technical knowledge to ensure best practice and must be subject o regular review. The overview of the VHPIBP provided in this Annex is based on the recommendations ofthe Fish Veterinary Society, Aims. A VHPIBP must cover areas of biosecurity, monitoring procedures, management and husbandry and recordingireporting procedures to accomplish the fellowing aims: + the prevention of introduction and spread of disease; + the reduction and elimination of factors which predispose to disease; + the establishment of disease prevention procedures; + the reduction of disease incidence: + the maintenance of an environment and systems of management and husbandry which reflect best practice i health and welfare; + the establishment of monitoring and reporting stuctures ensuring adequate fish health surveillance, early warning of any potential health or welfare proolem, rapid action and follow-up. terms of maintaining fish Methods These aims will be achieved through implementation of high standards of animal husbandry, regular veterinary visits, dally record keeping fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html aiaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘and compliance with the CoGP. Responsibilities ‘There will be a named person inthe fish farm/company who will be responsible forthe overall implementation of the VHPIBP. There will also be a named veterinary surgeon ar named vaterinaty practice retained by the farm, Format of VHPIBP ‘Atypical plan may have the folowing sectonal structure. Biosecurity ‘This section should deal withthe folowing 1 Heath checks and certification ofall incoming stocks 2. Visitor and vehicle eontal 3. Sanitation and movements of personnel including thi party contractors 4, Sanitation of equipment moveable and fixed strictures and buildings, 5. Stock separation and fallouing policies. 6. Duties of responsible person monitoring and recording biosecurily procedures. 7. Biosecurity procedures review protocol. General management procedures This should cover the principal management procedures which may have a direct impact on fish health and welfare; it should address the objective of minimising stress, damage and detimental effects on health and weltare status ofthe fish 1. Transport of fsh, transfer af smolts and fsh handling 2. Stocking procedures and stocking density. 3. Routine inspection of fish, nets and equipment including recording systems. 4. Monitoring of smalification in relevant species. 5. Water quality parameters, monitoring systems and recording procedures, emergency back-up arrangements and alarms. 6. Monitoring algaofelyish, prevention and contingency planning, 7. Predator control systems, procedures and licensing requirements 8. Fish grading systoms. 9. Fish crowding procedures for management purposes. 10. Slaughter, including emergency slaughtor arrangements Disease Surveillance Procedures must be in place to carry out regular observation of fish by personnel tained inthe recognition of fish diseases 1..On farm monitoring forthe presence of disease 2. Aetions on suspicion of disease — in house investigation, chain of respansibill and communication with diagnostic services. 3. Veterinary and laboratory supportin disease detection and diagnosis. 4, Sampling procedures for disease datocion/monitoring 5. Actions on suspicion of notable disease. Disease Control Measures Disease control measures are aimed at prevention of disease outbreaks and minimising sh losses, Appropriate vaccination policies must be iin place, based on risk assessment and the available products. Procedures must be in place to minimise the incidence of specific diseases. fess 1UsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20T e206 ode%.200%.20Go00%20Practce Html saraesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘These procedures must be based on current knowledge ofthe disease and means of preventing or minimising its incidence, This section needs to cover the following 1. Removal and culling of sick ish from pens or tanks. 2, Removal and disposal of dead fish; diver biosecurity. 3. Emergency slaughter procedures. 4. Vaccination and prophylaxis policies, including vaccination procedures, documentation and ausiting (in-house and third-party); vaccination biosecunty 5. Use of chemicals and medicines; data sheet and COSSH information; stock contol; recording usage; storage and safe handling of products 6. Anaesthesia procedures. Procedures for the control of specific diseases based on past history and risk assessments “Those procedures must include risk assessment, prevention, identifcation and ciagnosis, contol and treatment. Examples are as follows. 1. Frosh water parasites. 2. Bacterial diseases. 3. Saprolegnia. 4 Infectious pancreatic necrosis 5. Pancreas disease and associated pathologies. 6.Sea lice. 7.Algacisellyish 8. Deformites. Monitoring, recording and contro! ‘This section needs to cover he following. 1. Record keeping — health monitoring including monitoring of, for example, mortalities (separated into categories), sea lice numbers, physical damage to fish, predation, deformitios, occurrence of cataracts, vaccine responses, feeding behaviour and diver observations. 2. Occurrence of gular veterinaty visits; recording observations and agreed actions 3. Environmental monitoring (oxygen, temperature, algaetsecchi, ec) 4, Stock performance (sample weights, FORS, feeding rates etc) 5. Veterinary and pathology reports 6.0n farm and company reporting structures and responsiiliies relevant o the VHPIBP. 7..Health meetings and mechanisms for VHPIBP review, to include assessment of effectiveness of control measures in place; use of chemicals/medicines, mortally rates, incidence of specie disease. 8. Use of Animal Remedies Record Book, detailing all treatments and vaccinations undertaken. 8. Feed medicines datas (brand, ype, batch number, dates of use, quanti, et. 10. Use of Chemical Store log book. Training A documented training programme must be in place to include areas specifically related to the VHPIBP. Examples of what te training programme mustinclude are as follows, 1. Recognition of sh diseases. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sargesrow2015 Seats Salmon- The ode f Good Practice 2. Investigation of disease including correct sample submission and recording procedures. 3. Sea lice monitoring, recording and contol procedures. 4, Sale and fective use of medicines and chemicals 5. Fish crowdinglgrading for management purposes 6. Humane slaughter and culing offs. ANNEX 8 Risk Assessment Protocol for Fish Health INTRODUCTION In cases relating to fish health, the documented risk assessment should be based on the model shown in this Annex. In other cases, & simplified risk assessment covering relevant aspects of he risks and the decisions taken is sufficient (see also Annex 5). RISK ANALYSIS. Risk analysis is a too! to aid decision making, provides for a documented assessment ofthe risks associated with an activity, which can be evaluated by others. tcan provide justification for proceeding with a course of action. Alternatively, itcan provide a robust defence for not conducting a particular acivy. Much ofthe risk analysis requited for compliance with the CoGP will be qualitative rather than quantitative. ‘This means the estimated risk will be expressed in words, €g. high, moderate or very low, as opposed to a numerical estimate of probably. Novertheless, qualitative risk analysis is accepted as a valid and useful means of assessing risk. Tho quality of any isk analysis is dependent fon the knowledge and expertise ofthe individual or team conducting the risk analysis and, as with HACCP analysis, some risk assessments will require a multdiscipinary approach. Every risk analysis contains elements that may be regarded to some extent as subjective, Therefore, transparency is essential. The following isa brief guide to risk analysis for fish health STEP 1: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION In fsh heath torms, hazard identification normally involves identifying the pathogens that could potentially cause disease following the movement or importation of biological material or equipment, such as live fish or their eggs, personnel, vehicles, feed, nets or any other equipment or materials that could be contaminated with pathogens. STEP 2: RISK ASSESSMENT ‘The risk assessment step of risk analysis involves five components: + release assessment, + exposure assessment; + probability of establishment; + consequence assessment; + risk estimation, Exposure assessment (E) Exposure assessment is the estimation of the probability that, if the disease agent is released, susceptible populations of fish would be exposed to a dose sufficient to cause infection. Biological factors, destination factors and item factors should be considered (Table 2). If the exposure assessment demonstrates no significant risk, the risk assessment can be terminated at that point Table 2. Examples of biological, destination and commodity factors fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sanaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Biological factors Item factors ‘Susceptibility of the species of | Presence of susceptible hosts or | Whether the item is alive or dead fish likely to be exposed vectors Strain of pathogen Location of neighbouring farmed | Intended use of the item and wild fish populations Infectivity and route of infection | Geographical and environmental | Waste disposal practices of the pathogen characteristics Impact of vaccination or Farming or husbandry practices | Quantity ofthe item treatment Probability of establishment (R x E) Estimating the probability of a disease becoming established involves multiplying the results of the release and exposure assessments. Any combination of probabilities involving a Negligible stage is Negi ible and any probability multiplied by a High probability is unchanged (e.g. Low x High = Low). Adopting a precautionary approach, any probability multiplied by a Moderate probability is also treated as unchanged. However, when two Low probabilities are multiplied, the result is a Very Low probability and ‘when two Very Low probabilities are multiplied the result is Negligible. A Low x Very Low combination should be treated as Negligible. Therefore, apart from the aforementioned three cases, when two probabilities are multiplied together the result is the lower of the two, This convention is Hlustrated in Table 3. Table 3. Two-way table showing the product of multiplying two qualitative probabilities Exposure assessment (E) —————» Negligible | Very Low | Low ] Moderate | High (s) wm | w | | igh N uo. 4 ) Moderate N uo. ™ (Mm) Release assessment | N Now ot L @ Vory Low ah N NOON Ww we Negligible si N NON ON " Risk estimation The final component of the risk assessment step is risk estimation. Risk is calculated from the combination of probability and consequence. The matrix shown in Table 4 (AQIS, 1999) may be used to aid risk estimation. The risk determined is the unrestricted estimate of risk, i.e. the risk based on no risk management, associated with the hazards identified. Each hazard should be fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html onnaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice considered separately in the risk evaluation. Note, when the probability of establishment is high and the significance of the Consequences are high or moderate there is a clear presumption against taking the risk, but as the probability of establishment is reduced and the significance of the consequences are lower, the risk becomes acceplable. Consequence assessment Consequence assessment consists of identifying the nature of any adverse effect(s) on human health, animal health or the environment which may result from the movement or importation of biological material or equipment and the likelihood of these effects occurring, The consequences may be biological, environmental and/or economic, Terms used to describe the severity of the impact, or level of significance of the consequences, are given in Box 3 (adapted from AQIS, 1999), are identified, or ifthe likelihood of the potential consequences occurring is negligible, the risk assessment can be terminated at that point Box 3. Terms used to describe the significance of consequences High: Associated with diseases that would have serious biological effects (e.g. high mortality or morbidity). Such effects ould be expected to be felt for a protonged period and would not be amenable to control measures. Such diseases would be ‘expected to result in significant economic losses at an industry love, or they may ‘cause serious harm to the environment. Moderate: Associated with diseases that have less pronounced biological effects. Such effects may harm economic performance at an enterprise/tegional level. These diseases may be emenable to control measures at a significant cost, or their effects may ba temporary. They may affect the environment, but such harm would not be irreversible. Low: Associated with diseases that have mid biological effects and would normally be amenable to control measures. Such diseases would be expected to harm ‘economic performance at an enterprise/regionel level. Effects on the environment ‘would be minor or temporary. Negligible: Associated with diseases that have no significant or only transient biological offocts. Such diseases may be readily amenable to control measures. The economic effects would be low at an enterprise level and insignificant at a regional level. Effects on the environment would b¢ insignificant. Significance of Coneequoncoe > Negligible | Low | Moderate | High w) o a) wy High res 0 10 0 io ve Ni Ni Ni Moderate ‘an Yes No. No No Probability of Loy, Establishment ot Yes Yes No No Very Low a Yes Yes Yesitio No Negligitie a es w) ms ‘ fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html Ino adverse consequences sanaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘Yes = the risk is acceptable. No = the risk is unacceptable and should not be taken without further risk management. Release assessment (R) Release assessment is the estimation of the probability (i.e. ikellhood), that a hazard will be introduced as a result of the movement or importation of a biological material or equipment. In other words, it is an estimate of the probability that biological material or equipment will be infected or contaminated. Terms commonly used to qualitatively describe the probability of an event occurring are shown in Box 1 (adapted from AQIS, 1999) In making an assessment, biological, source and item risk factors should be considered {a outlined in Table 1. Each potential hazard should be dealt with separately. If the release assessment demonstrates no significant Fisk, the risk assessment can be terminated at that point, Box 1. Terms used to describe the probability of an event occurring High: Event would be expected to occur Moderate: There is a less than even chance of the event occurring Low: Event would occur occasionally Very Low: Event would occur very rarely Negligible: Chance of event occurring is so small it can be ignored. Table 1. Examples oflbiological source and item risk factors Biological risk factors Source risk factors tem risk factors Susceptibility of the species | Incidence of clinical disease | Ease of contamination of fish Strain of pathogen Prevelence of infection Effect of processing, storage or transport Means of transmission and | Geographical and Quantity of the Item(s) infoctivity of tho pathogon | onvironmontal characteristics Impact of vaccination or —_| Farming or husbandry treatment practices, Health certification status of the farm or country of origin of the commodity It may be necessary to consider risk factors for pathogens that could potentially be present on a farm, although there may be no signs of clinical disease, e.g. Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) in marine farms stocking salmonid fish. Potential risk factors, including those identified for ISA by Jarp and Karlsen (1997) and Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) by Murray ef al (2004) on salmon farms are shown in Box 2. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sargesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice processing plant, with or without approved system for disinfection of waste water, within 5 km (disinfection of waste water reduces but does not eliminate the risk). Location of infected site within 5 km (ISA) or 10 km (IPN). More than one freshwater source of smolts. Failure to remove dead fish daily. particularly during the summer months. Pens arranged in a concentrated cluster rather than a longitudinal chi Multiple generations of fish on site. Failure to clean, disinfect and fallow pens between production cycles. STEP 3 RISK MANAGEMENT Risk managementis the process of deciding upon and implementing sanitary measures to reduce the risks posed by a particular hazard associated with biological material of equipmentto an acceptable level. Where there is significant uncertainty, a precautionary approach should be adopted, but there mustbe a rational elationship between the options chosen and the risk assessment. Sanitary measures should bbe monitored and reviewed, for example through inspections and random checks, to ensure they are in place and achieving the desired results STEP 4 RISK COMMUNICATION Risk communication is the process whereby information and opinions are gathered from potentially alected parties during he risk assessment and the results ofthe risk assessment are communicated to the decision makers, stakeholders and interested parties. The communication of risk should be interactive, iterative and transparent. The assumptions and uncertainty inthe risk estimates ofthe risk assessment should be communicated. Peer review of any risk analysis is an important component of risk communication for obtaining critical evaluation aimed at ansuring the data, information and assumptions are the best and most appropriate available, ‘The following hypothetical scenarios illustrate the hazard identification and risk assessment steps of risk analysis. They are intended as @ {guide and should not be regarded as comprehensive or as dectons to proceed with movements under similar circumstances, ‘SCENARIO 1 Proposed activity Movement of @ wellboat used to harvest fish from one marine salmon farm (Site A) to another marine salmon farm stocking post-smolts (Site B) ina different farm management area for the purpose of grading the ish Hazard identification 22) What pathogens are known to be present on Site A? e.g. IPN virus ) What pathogens could possibly be present on Site A given the location of the farm and the health status of neighbouring farms? €.9, Suspect pancreas disease (PD) on a neighbouring farm. No observations consistent withthe presence of ISA at Site A but ISA virus is a potential hazard in the marine environment. Release assessment (R) fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sargesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Biological factors -The fish on Site A are susceptible to all the identifed hazards. IPN, PD and ISA can be spread by horizontal transmission via contaminated equipment. Source factors - The fish on Site A are known to be infected with IPN, although the prevalence of infection is unknown. The fish on Site A may be carrying PD virus. They are not suspected of infection with ISA ~ there are no known risk factors for ISA other than the fact that the farm is situated in marine waters, There are ne clinical signs of disease at Site A. Item factors - The hull of the wellboat has self-cleaning antfoulant paint and is free of fouling. The pipes, nets and wells ofthe wellboat come ino direct contact wth lve fish and could be contaminated, ‘The conclusion is thatthe probability that IPN, PD and ISA could be released as a result ofthe movement ofthe wellooat from Site Ato Site B is MODERATE, LOW and VERY LOW, respectively. Continue with te risk assessment. Exposure assessment (E) Biological factors - Fish at Site B are susceptible to infection with IPN, PD and ISA. IPN, PD and ISA can be spread by horizontal transmission Via contaminated equipment. Destination factors -The fh at Site B recently suffered a clinical outbreak of IPN. They are not suspected of infection with PD or ISA. None of the other farms in the farm management area, including the company's own farms operated by the same staf from the same shore base as Site B, are suspected of infection with PD or SA. lem factors - The wellboat wil visit Site B to grade the post-smolts. twill operate close to the cages and the post-smolts will come into direct, contact with the pipes, nets and wells of the wellboat “The conclusion is that IPN, PD or ISA was transferred to Site B via the movement of a wellboat fom Site A, the probability that ish could be exposed to a dose sufficient to cause infection with IPN, PD or ISA from Site A to Site B is MODERAT . Continue withthe risk assessment, Probability of establishment (R x E) ‘The probability of IPN, PD or ISA becoming established at Site B as a result of the movement of a wellboat from Site A would be MODERATE, LOW and VERY LOW, respectively. Consequence assessment ‘The consequences of the establishment af IPN at Sito B would be NEGLIGIBLE since fish on the farm are already infected. The consequences of te establishment of PD would be MODERATE. The consequences of the establishment of ISA would be HIGH. Risk estimation For IPN, the probability of establishment = MODERATE and the significance of the consequences = NEGLIGIBLE. Therefore, the risk is acceptable, For PD, the probabiliy of establishment = LOW and the significance of the consequence MODERATE, Therefore, the risk is not acceptable and risk management measures are warranted fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html ostaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice For ISA the probability of establishment = VERY LOW and the significance of he consequences = HIGH. Therefore, the risk is not acceptable and futher risk management measures are warranted SCENARIO2 Proposed activity Movement of live salmon smolts from a farm in a freshwater loch (Site C) toa fallow marine farm(Site D) by helicopter bucket, '8) What pathogens are known to be present on Site C? e.g. Saprolegnia and Ichthyobodo (Costa). bb) What pathogens could possibly be present on Site C given the location of the farm and the health status of neighbouring farms? eg. Not applicable as no other farms within the same freshwater loch. ©) What pathogens could be associated with the helicopter buckets? e.g. Not applicable as buckets thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on artval Rolease assessment (R) Biological factors -The fish at Site C are susceptible to Saprolegnia and Ichthyobodo. Both Saprolegnia and Ichthyobodo can be spread by live fish movements and horizontal transmission via equipment. Source factors - Clinical signs of disease due to Saprolegnia have been observed at Site C. The prevalence of infection with both Saprolegnia and Iehthyobodois estimated to be high. ltem factors - The pre-smolts, ransport water and helicopter buckets could be contaminated with Saprolegnia and Iehthyobodo. ‘The conclusion is that the probability that Saprolognia and Iehthyobodo could be released as a result ofthe movement of pre-smalts from Site C to Site D is HIGH. Continue with the risk assessment. Biological factors - Saprolegniaand Ichthyobodo are unlikely to cause clinical disease in the marine environment. Destination factors -There are no fish on Site D atpresent. Item factors — the smolts are likely to recover from Saprolegnia and Ichthyobodbinfection in the marine environment. There is a need to identity any potential hazards in he event thatthe helicopter buckets become contaminated with seawater from Site D. Conclusion - The probability that fish at Site D will be exposed to a dose of Saprolegnia and Ichthyobodo sufficient to cause Infection is NEGLIGIBLE. The risk assessment can be terminated. However, a potential risk associated with helicopter buckets returning to Site C has been identified. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sartaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Risk estimation ‘The risk assessment was terminated because Saprolegnia and Ichthyobodo posed a negligible threat of disease in the marine environment However, a separate risk analysis to determine the risk associated with the movement of helicopter buckets from Site D to Site C should be carried out SCENARIO 3 Proposed activity Movement of live salmon grower fish from a marine farm in one farm management area (Site E) to a matine farm In another farm management area (Site F), which is stocked with th esame year class of fish, to facilitate the harvest of fish from Site E. Site E is located in an area that is notoriously difficult to access by wellboat in poor weather conditions. Hazard identification ‘a) What pathogens are known to be present on Site E? e.g, IPN. b) What pathogens could be present on Site E given the location of the farm and the health status of neighbouring farms? e.g. No ‘observations consistent with the presence of ISA at Site E but ISA virus is a potential hazard in the marine environment. c) What pathogens could be associated with the wellboat? e.g. Not applicable as wellboat thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after ‘completion of the harvest at Site E and before arriving on Site F. Release assessment (R) Biological factors- The fish a Site E are susceptible to IPN and ISA. Both IPN and ISA can be spread by live fsh movements. Source factors - Te fish at Site E are confirmed infected with IPN although the prevalence of infection is unknown. The fish are not suspected Of infection with ISA. The cages were fallow prior to the current intake of fish, but risk factors for ISA include: the farm is situated in marine waters and other farms in the same farm management area as Site E did not fallow synchronously, There are no clinical signs of disease at Site E tem factors The commodity is live grower salmon. ‘The conclusion is thatthe probability hat IPN or ISA virus could be released as a result ofthe movement oflive grower salmon from Site Eto Site Fis HIGH or LOW, respectively. Continue with the risk assessment. Exposure assessment (E) Biological factors -The fish on Site F are susceptible to IPN and ISA. IPN and ISA can be spread by live fsh movements Destination factors -The fish an Site F are known to be infected with IPN virus. There is no suspicion of ISA at Site F or at any ofthe ather farms Inthe same farm management area fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html omiaesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ltem factors — The commodity is live grower salmon that will be released into pens at site F. Conclusion- The probability that fish at Site F will be exposed to a dose of IPN or ISA sufficient to cause infection ifthe live fish from Site E are Infected is HIGH, ‘The probabilly that IPN and ISA would become established at Site F as a result of the movement of live fish from Site E is HIGH and LOW, respectively. Consequence assessment ‘The consequences of the establishment of IPN at Sito B would be NEGLIGIBLE since fish on the farm are already infected. The consequences ofthe establishment of ISA would be HIGH Risk estimation For IPN, the probability of establishment = HIGH and the significance ofthe consequences = NEGLIGIBLE. Therefore, the riskis acceptable. For ISA, the probabil of establishment LOW and the significance of the consequences = HIGH. Therefore, the risk is nol acceptable and {further risk management measures are warranted, Itmay be that in some cases, particularly where the commodity to be moved or imported is lve fish, there are no risk management measures available o reduce the risk to an acceptable level and the movement should not go ahead. REFERENCES ‘AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service), 1999, Import risk analysis on non-viable salmonids and non-salmonid marine finfish ‘Ausinfo, GPO Box 1920, Canberra ACT 2601 4Jarp J and Karlsen E,1997, Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) risk factors in Sea-cultured Allantc salmon Salmo salar. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 28: 79-86, ANNEX 9 Disinfection Procedures DISINFECTION GUIDE (VERSION IV) PRACTICAL STEPS TO PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION AND MINIMISE TRANSMISSION OF DISEASES OF FISH D IFraser, ? D Munro and D A Smail FRS Marine Laboratory, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 908, 1.INTRODUCTION Emerging diseases have had a significant impact on development ofthe Scotish aquaculture industry, highlighting the importance of preventing their introduction and minimising their transmission. The risk of disease spread is reduced by the implementation of good sanitary practices by fish farmers, and fisheries and the application of effuent disinfection systems in the processing industy ‘To maintain heathy fish stocks and minimise the introduction and spread of disease, the aquaculture industry should ensure best practice on farm sites, during transportation oflive or dead fish and equipment, atthe processing plant and during subsequent ofuent and waste disposal. For an assessment ofthe risks associated with specific tasks, reference should be made fo the Final Report of he Joint GovernmentindustryWorking Group on Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) available from the Fisheries Research Services(FRS) web site, at ww rs-ecotand gov.uk, fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saraesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘The protocols described inthis guide are based upon current scientife knowledge and practical experience and will cantinue to be developed as the needs of industry change. This guide is intended for distibution to relevant industry personnel 2. HEALTH & SAFETY (H&S) Currenthealth and safely guidelines must be followed at all mes. Higher concentrations of disinfectant than necessary can be dangerous to personnel, Label instructions should be followed carefully, referring to the manufacturer's guidelines, including expiry date, Staff mustbe Aware of the appropriate COSHH and risk assessments and must be trained before undertaking any disinfection procedure. Faciliies, including operating structures, cages, tanks or vessels must be fitfor purpose. Itshould be noted that in rare cases some disinfectants may cause a hypersensitve reaction in susceptible individuals. 3. DISCHARGE OF DISINFECTANTS Discharge of disinfectants to the environment s controlled under: + The Control of Pollution Act 1974 as amended by the Water Act 1989, and the Environment Act 1996 (COPA), and +The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 Partll Deposits in the Sea, as amended by he Environment Protection Act 1990 (FEPA), COPA discharge consents are issued by the Scatish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and must be obtained for discharges made during activites such as net and cage disinfection at both cage sites and shore bases and for efluent disinfection at processing plants. Certain disinfectant agents, such as chlorine and iodine, should be neutralised (see section 5.9.3) before discharge. A list of SEPA addresses is given in Appendix FEPA discharge consents for disposal of waste at sea are issued by Fisheries Research Services (FRS). 4. CLEANING AND DISINFECTION atc Surfaces and equipment mustbe thoroughly cleaned, with detergent necessary to remove any grease or fats, prioro disinfection as the presence of organic material during the disinfection process impairs the effect af the disinfectant, Much infectious material may be removed or inactvated at this important stage. 42 Disinfection A disinfectantis an agent that deactivates infection-producing organisms. Disinfectants are usually applied lo inanimate objects and are often toxic or harmful to living tissue. To ensure effective reatment, disinfectants should always be applied atthe recommended concentration and temperature and fr the recommended contact time, The concentration and contact ime are dependent an the conditions and procedure Undertaken. Organic loading (dir has a negative impact on the efficacy of most disinfectants. Any disinfectant which has pasts expiry date should not be used, should be noted that good cleaning and disinfection procedures minimise the risk of disease transmission. However, disinfection is not synonymous with sterilisation. 4.3 Protocol for General Cleaning and Disinfection of Equipment + Remove all visible organic material, using detergent necessary o remove any grease or fas. + Choose an appropriate disinfectant in general, use a disinfectant which is effective against a broad spectrum of disease agents. + Dilute the disinfectant tothe recommended concentration, referring o the manufacturer's instructions. + Apply the disinfectantto all surfaces tobe treated and leave forthe recommended contact time. + Rinse with clean water, ifnecessary. ‘444 Choice of Disinfectant Alistof suitable disinfectants and dose rates for various applications is given in Table 1. This lst is not exhaustive and will be subject change as new information becomes available. The effective concentration of disinfectant is dependent on factors such as contact ime, temperature and cleanliness ofthe substrate to be disinfected. Itis assumed that al equipmentis thoroughly cleaned and that eluent is properly fitered or pre-treated prior othe disinfection process. Certain conditions require special treatments, such as effuent from processing Plants or nets, where the organic loading is very high Disinfectants, doses and applications. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sargesno12015 Disinfectant Example" Sodium Klorsept hypochionte —_(Jencons Scientifc, UK) ChioramineT —_ Halamid® (Axcentive, fance) Zydox AD.06 activated by DRA.2 (Zychem Technologies, Norway) Chlorine dioxide Buffodine, FAMSO (Evans Vanodine, UK) or Tegodyne (DiverseyJohnson, UK) lodophor Virkon S Peroxy compounds (antec intemational UK) Peracetic acid, hratogen sertxide P*Ox!aNe® 6 (Solvay ‘and acetic acid mix Mer% UK) uaremnary Cotimide ‘ammonium (FeF Chemicals AS, ‘compounds Denmark) Formic Acid ‘ozone Heat fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Dose Application 100 ppm, 10 min Boats, cages, tanks, hand nels, harvest equipment 1000 ppm, 10 min Processing plant effuent 1000 ppm, 6 hrs Cage nets, Foot bath, non-porous 1% (wiv), Sin Poet at 100 ppm,5 min Processing planteffuent Foot bath, clothing, diving gear, hand nels, salmonid va, non-porous surfaces 400 ppm, 10 min 4% (wv), 10 min PN) Foot baths, non-porous 0.5% (wi),30 Surfaces: min (ISA) 0.4% (viv),§ min. Non-porous surfaces, 125 ppm,5min Plast surfaces pH <4, 24 hours Ensiling fish waste &mgivmin, 3 min (Corresponding toredox potential 600- 750 mV) Water intake and effluent 70°C, 2hours (PN) Cage nets, diving gear, 60°C, 2 minutes team cleaning non-porous (SA) Comments Reported eflecive againstISA (Torgersen, 1998 and Smail otal 2004) and IPN (Elliott & Amend, 1978) Ensure an active tree chlorine level of at east 5 ppm after treatment. Reported effecive againstISA (Smail et al 2004) (www halamid.com Effective against ISA (Smail et al, 2004) Reported effecve against SA (Smail etal. 2004) and IPN (Elliott & Amend, 1978) Fading colour from brown to yellow indicates inadequate concentration. Not suitable forts treated with anifoulant Reported effective against IPN, ERM and BKD. Reported effective against SA and furunculosis \wonw antecin.c0.uk Reported effecve againstISA (Smail et al 2004). Reported effective against VHS & furunculosis, (Dorson & Michel, 1987).Noteffecive against IPN at 12,500 ppm, Reported effective againstISA (Torgersen, 1998). Also, effective against BKD & furunculosis but not against IPN. (Smail et al, 1993) Reported effective againstIPN, furunculosis, ERM and Vibrio anguillarum (Litved et al. 1996). Filtration, pre-treatment is recommended Reported effective against PN (Whipple & Rohovec, 1994). Reported effecive against ISA (Torgersen, 1998), Reported effective against nadavirus Frerichs sowiesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice 37°C,4days surface etal, 2000), od) " J Heat treatment above 71°C may reduce nylon: net breaking strain. 2 Reported effecive against IPN (Liltved ot 122 mueniaee al,,1995). Reported effective against Nodavirus any (Frerichs etal, 2000) uw Freshwater intake supply Efficacy compromised by organic loading. May be combined with ozone for treating effluent ‘rom processing plants. 290 mulenieee (oda) “inclusion of brané names is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply endorsement by Fisheries Research Services, Other products, may be equally efficacious. 5. DISINFECTION PROCEDURES. 5.1 Fish Farm Vessels and Ancillary Equipment ‘The following procedure is recommended for cleaning and disinfection of fish farm vessels, helicopter buckets, kiln tables and most other fish farm equipment Step 1 Remove all gross fouling and organic mattor by scraping and brushing. Step 2 Clean using a detergent solution to remove particulate mater, fats and oils. Hot water may give optimum performance but check detergent manufacturers instructions. Stop 3 Apply disinfoctant at recommended concentration fr appropriate contact ime. Step 4 Rinse wit clean water ifrequired Steps 2 and 3 may be combined as one stop ita foaming detergent solution containing an appropriate disinfectants used 5.2 Wolkboats and Foed Delivery Boats The number oftive fish transfers and feed deliveries made by boat is increasing and may invalve serial deliveries to a number of sites. The risk of disease transmission by well-boats and feed delivery boats is highest where contactis made with ish or contaminated seawater. Well-boats and feed delivery boats may transmit disease via + Fish + Transport water + Bus stop deliveries + Food + Personnel + Ship stucture + Scavengers. ‘To minimise the risk of horizontal transmission of disease: + Restrict access by farm stato the vessel and from the vessel othe farm cages and other farm equipment. + Avoid simultaneous carriage of waste and fresh feed. + Ensure feed is processed to ensure a microbiologically sae product + Feed should be contained in clean containers, sealed to prevent scavenging by birds or radents + Deliveries should be made toa single farm management area. to sites ofthe same health status or to those of highest health status, first. +The order of delivery should normally be to the youngest year class of sh fist + Ensure appropriate vessel cleaning and disinfection procedures are followed. Appropriate protocols for disinfection of well-boals and feed delivery vessels under different operational circumstances are given in Table 2.A risk assessment should be conducted before any operation Involving the movement of vessels between sites or from a site to another location, such a a processing plant In certain circumstances it may be necessary to employ @ more rigorous stage than described in Table 2. TABLE2 Disinfection stages required by well-boals and feed delivery boats under diferent operating circumstances: fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sovi9esno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘Operation Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 x x x ‘Ariving from outwith UK waters x x x Leaving a site suspected or confirmed infected with @ notifiable disease Leaving a Control! or Surveillance Zone? for a new operating location of greaterhealth status X XX Leaving a Surveillance Zone on shutfe runs, to destinations of greater health status x ‘Operating between sites of equal health status within a single management area, x ‘Operating on shultle runs between sites of equal health status x Leaving operations in one management area to startin a diferent management area x x Before and after operating on a broodstock site Routine anti-fouling (falawing company inspection) x x x x x “In coastal areas-a control zone is defined as a circle of radius equal to one tidal excursion centred on the infected farm. In inland areas -a contral zone may comprise all or part of a water catchment area, 2in coastal areas-a surveillance zone is defined as an area surrounding the control zone of overlapping tidal excursion zones. In inland areas a suneeillance zone comprises an extended area outside the established control zone. Stage 1 Brushiclean solids from surfaces. All pipe work, including vacuum pumps, must be cleared of fsh. Pressure clean (with detergent) the following areas as appropriate: + Deck + Wells + Equipment + Protective clothing + Pumps. Hot water may give optimum performance but check manufacturer's instructions. Stage 2 Complete Stage 1 then steam clean and disinfect all surfaces, including the hull dawn to the waterline. Stage 3 Complete Stages! and 2 plus slip he vessel and clean and disinfect the hull below the waterline. While travelling tothe slip, the ‘vessel must be routed to minimise contact with any fsh farm sit. Note: Stage 3 may not be necessary when leaving a Surveillance Zone if self-polishing type of antfouling paints used on the hull and the hulls tee of fouling, (On well-boats, a disinfection checklist (Appendix il} should be kept with the ship's log. The Skipper is responsible for overseeing all procedures and must sign the checklist on completion. Copies should be retained for inspection and audit purposes. Approval must be obtained from FRS for the movement of al items of equipment liable to transmit infection to or from sites suspected or confirmed infected with a List or List II notifiable disease of fish. The form given in Appendix IV may be used for applications seeking approval to move equipmer 5.3 Delicate Ancillary Equipment fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saarizesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Electronic equipment (eg scales and thermometers) may be sprayed with alcohol and allowed to ar dry, paying particular attention to manufacturer's instructions particularly inthe initial removal of organic fouling. 5.4 Pallets Plastic pallets should be disinfected according tothe procedure described in Section 43. Wooden pallets must not be crculated between sites as the absorbent nature of wood means itis dificult to ensure successful disinfection. Pallets returned to the distibution or holding yard, together with those which may have been contaminated in vansit, must be keptin a designated diry area for disinfection or disposal 55 Nets Used nets should be transported in sealed containers. They should be tagged and logged on arrival atthe designated dirty area ofa net ‘washing station fo ensure they are kept separate from clean nets. Nets should be immersed in sodium hypochlorite solution ata concentration of 1,000 mgllfor six hours (or an altemative equally effective disinfectant at the appropriate concentration) then rinsed with fresh water. The sodium hypochlorite solution must be agitated to ensure an even concentration of hypochlorite. nets are very heavily fouled the sodium hypochlorite concentration should be increased to ensure the presence of atleast 5 mgi active ree chlorine after six hours, Commercially available kits are available for measuring free chlorine concentration. Alternatively, clean nets can be heat treated by immersion in hot water so thatthe entire netis subjected to a temperature of more than 65 °C. for atleast ten minutes. Nets may be destroyed by incineration, disposed of in an approved landfill site or buried Note: Iodine based disinfectants are not suitable for use on nets treated wit copper based compounds. Iodine will render the anbfouling process ineffective. Heat treatment of nylon nets above 71°C can significantly affect their breaking stain, 5.6 Cages and Moorings Allremovable itoms, including cage nets, should be cleaned and disinfected according tothe appropriate procedures. As a minimum, cages, barges ete should be scraped clean, using divers ifnecessary, and disinfected down to and including the waterline. The rest ofthe structure should be left fallow for atleast four weeks. Inthe event thata farms infected with a List or List notifiable disease, the entire cage stucture may be required to be cleaned and disinfected. Cages can be moved onshore for disinfection or wrapped in a tarpaulin at sea (SEPA authorisation for discharge may be required). the cages are to be reused on the same farm it may be permissible for the cages to be let in situ for the required fallow period following the clearing and disinfection of the cages down to and including the watering. The minimum fallow period in such cases.is normally 3-6 months, ‘Sub-surlace moorings can be considered as part ofthe seabed and, a such, they can be left to faliow in situ. moorings from a site infected witha List lor List IInotifable disease are required for use on another sit, and the appropriate fallowing period has not been observed, thoy ‘must be cleaned and disinfected prior to tansfer. 5.7 Fish Farm Staff, Divers, Diving Gear and Site Visitors, Fish disoasos can be transmitted via equipment or personnel who come into contact with infected fish during working practices lis important that strict hygiene procedures are followed on a dally basis. Staff and visitors, including divers, should use the protective clothing supplied on site, Divers removing dead fish from an infected site before diving on another site, without fist thoroughly disinfecting thelr equipment, pose a serious rsk with respect o disease transmission. Fish farm and diving companies should consider allowing for site-specific gear on sites suspect or infected with ISA, VHS or HN. Ditty and disinfected suits and associated equipment should be kept separate at all imes. Staff servicing sites withthe same fish farm vessel should clean and disinfect the vessel tothe waterline an leaving each sit, Footbaths and brushes should be strategically placed for the disinfection of equipment where this isnot site-specific. The site manager should take responsibility for ensuring good practice, including the maintenance of foot bats at an effective concentration, Diving sults and equipment should be treated as follows: Step 1 Remove organic debris, clean with an appropriate detergent and rinse with clean water. ‘Stop 2 immerse in fresh water containing fodophor (minimum 100 mg/l ree fodine) or an equally effective disinfectant for 20 minutes. Alternatively, heat treat by immersing equipmentin clean fresh water so thatthe gear is maintained at a minimum of 60°C for atleast two minutes. ‘Step 3 Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 5.8 Harvesting fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html savisesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Permission to move fish off sites subject to official controls for notifable diseases must be sought from the Scottish Ministers prior to harvesting. The form given in Appendix V may be used for such applications. All movements of live fish for harvest should be recorded in the site movement records. There is a high risk of spread of disease associated with the slaughter of farmed fish. Containment of fish and fish praducs, including blood, is recommended at all on-site slaughtering operatons and is mandatory at sites within a Control or Surveillance Zone fora List |or List! nobfiable disease. Inecessary, tarpaulins should be placed beneath klling tables and any spillage collected and disinfected using sodium hypochlorite (1,000 mgil for 10 minutes) oF iadophor (1,000 ppm for 10 minutes). Care must be taken to ensure that there are no fish escapes, and mortalities must be disposed af in an approved manner Harvest bins should be leak-proof, lined with polythene bags and have well fiting lids strapped on tightly. To prevent spillage of blood in transit the bins must note over filed. Leaking bins or bins with broken straps or poorly fiting lids should not be used. All bins should be labelled for identification purposes and cleaned and disinfected between sites. Separate bins should be used in areas infected with a List| or List disease. Vehicles used to transport harvest bins should be ited with a drainage pipe and sump to collect any spillage. In he eventof spillage, the lorry bed and sump must be disinfected, Lorries should carry disinfectant and drivers should be trained inthe use of the equipment and chemicals, to be applied on leaving a site and in the event of spillage in transit. Contingency plans should be in place to deal with a major spillage or loss of harvest bin in transit la wel-boatis used to transport fish, the valves must remain closed within 5 km or one tidal excursion (whichever greater) of any fish Farm or wild fishery. Fish must be transferred direct from the wells and not held in cages at the processing plant prior to harvest. Well water should either pass through the processing plant effluent reatment system prior to discharge or be discharged outwith a tidal excursion or § km (whichever is greater) of any fish farm site, Ifthe processing plantitsefis located more than two tidal excursions away from any fish farm site or significant wild fishery then the effluent may be discharged directly fom the well, in the absence of blood or blood produc 5.9 Processing Plants and Ensiling Fish blood and viscera may be particularly infectious. Therefore, stict hygiene practices must be maintained during the processing of fish and staff must be trained in observing recommended procadures. In addition, staff must be trained to recognise clinical signs of disease as fish showing clinical signs of disease are not permitted to be marketed for human consumption, Alldrains should interconnect the waste veatment plant to ensure containment of fish products and effluent discharges. Access should be restricted into the plant and between work areas. Disinfectant foot baths and brushes must be used on entering and leaving the facili. Suitable notices must be in place at entrances restricting ‘access and at disinfection points compelling the use of footbaths. The concentration of disinfectant should be checked and logged atleast once a day and maintained at an effective level. Protective clothing should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, atleast at the end of each shift and kept onsite. Plant managers may find the checklistin Appendix VI useful. All equipment associated with the delivery of harvested salmon, morlaliies, fish waste, including lorries, tubs, ids, barrels, tole bags, skips and covers, etc, must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Washing and disinfection must be carried out within a designated area, ensuring that all waste is collected and disinfected before disposal 5.9.1 Ensiling The process of ensiling inactivates ISA virus and many other fish pathogens, such as the causative agents of bacterial kidney disease and furunculosis. Mortals and viscera may be ensiled by a process of blending the fish to a liquefied state and mixing with formic acid. Ensiling requires a minimum of 24 hours at pH < 4.0. Logs of pH measurements should be kept and made available for inspection Note: Ensiling does not inactivate Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) virus. Consequently, ensiled waste should not be regarded as free from risk with respect to disease transmission 5.9.2. Effluent treatment Al effluent and blood water associated with fish processing should be contained and passed through an approved disinfection procedure. This is mandatory for processing of fish from ISA, VHS and IHN-infected areas and strongly recommended for all fish processing plants. Approved treatments for disinfecting blood water include sodium hypochlorite, ozone and a fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html rovesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice ‘combination of ozone and UV radiation. All these treatments are inactivated by organic material and it is important to remove aS much of this as possible, for example by filtration, before treatment ‘Sodium hypochlorite must be added to ensure a residual chlorine concentration of at least 5 mgil for more than 30 minutes. Generally, an initial concentration of 1,000 mgll of sodium hypochlorite is sufficient. If the effluent treatment system includes a bacteriological digestion system or a high level of filtration, the required concentration of hypochlorite can be reduced. Ozone and UV treatment are only effective if particulate matter.including red blood cells, is removed prior to disinfection. This can be achieved by, @.g. a bacteriological treatment plant or a filter capable of removing particles. down to 7 um in size. The sludge must be treated as high risk waste and ensiled by mixing with formic acid to a pH of less than 4.0 for 24 hours. Ozone must be added to give a minimum of 8 mg/limin (equivalent to a Redox potential of 600-750 mV) for three minutes. If UV 's to be used the dose must exceed 120 mJlem®. It is seldom used on its own, but has proved effective in plant systems employing a combination of ozone and secondary UV treatment. ‘There must be a logging system to monitor the dose and a back-up method must be in place in the event of failure of the disinfection system. 5.9.3 Neutralisation of sodium hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite should be neutralised with sodium thiosulphate prior to discharge. Five moles of thiosulphate neutralise {four moles of chlorine. The molecular proportions are the same for iodine {http://www.oie.int). Care must be taken to ensure adequate mixing, eg by aeration. Treated water must be disposed of through a SEPA-approved location. SEPA will advise on the use of such agents. 5.9.4 Movement of waste ‘The movement of waste must be accompanied either by a waste transfer note, or consignment note if it is high risk waste (available from SEPA), This material must be disposed of at a waste management facility which is licensed to handle high risk 5.10 Disinfection of Salmonid Ova Reference should be made to current OIE guidelines for the disinfection of ova (htloJiwmw oie intenainormesimesdelen_sommaice him), The following procedures are recommended to minimise the risk of extra-ovum transmission of fish pathogens ftom parent to progeny. + Contamination of gametes with urine, faeces and blood should be avoided during stripping, + Disinfection of pre-hardened eggs should take place as soon after fertlisation as possible, using buffered iodophor volume for volume in 0.8% isotonic saline solution to give a fee iodine concentration of 100 ppm for 10 minutes. Thorough rinsing of disinfected, fertilised eggs should be carried out using clean isotonic saline followed by freshwater + Disinfection of eyed eggs should be carried out using iodophor solution to give a free iodine concentration of 100 ppm, prior hatch or movement to anather wator supply. 6. DISPOSAL OF DEAD FISH ‘Subject to safe operating consitions, mortalities should be removed on a dally basis and should be disposed of by an approved method in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1774/2002. Local authorities have responsibilty for waste disposal. A list oflocal authorities is provided in Appendix 7. PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION OF GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS INTO SCOTTISH WATERS Gyrodactylus safaris s a parasite which infests the skin and fins of salmon, trout and some other lypes of fish in Fresh water. does not occur in Us rivers but our salmon, lke those in Norway, ae killed by the parasite. tis hardy and may inadvertently be inoduced by fishermen, in damp conditions in bags, angling equipmant and via dead fish, including bait It reproduces very quickly, capable of starting an epidemicin a short time. Those responsible for fresh water fisheries should ensure good biosecurity measures are in place and that staf are aware of the risks. traveling from affected areas, ensure equipment is disinfected before fishing in UK waters. Methods of disinfection + Dry at20 °C fortwo days + Heatfor atleast hour at> 60°C + Deep freeze 24 hours, + Immerse in disinfectant for atleast 10 minutes using elther: fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 08190sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Virkon 1% Wescodyne 1% Sodium Chloride 3% Sodium Hydroxide 0.2% Reference should be made tothe leaflet “Keep Fish Diseases Out A guide fo protecting freshwater fish stocks from gyrodactylosis and other serious fish diseases" (hip-Iwww fs- scolland,gov.uk/Uplaads/Documents/General%.20L eafet%20verv¥20Iateet pg 8. FISHERIES Biosecurity ofa fishery is more gffcult than in the farm situation. The risk of introduction and transmission of disease may be minimised by avoiding stock transfer between catchment areas, restricting the movement of personnel and equipment; developing and implementing contingency plans for disease outbreaks, prompt diagnosis of disease problems and staf taining Moribund or dead fish and viscera (sh guts) should not be returned to pondsie river. They should be disposed of by sealing in a polythene bag and placed in a waste bin destined for an approved landfill Sick or recently dead fish showing clinical signs of disease should be submited to FRS Fish Health Inspectorate for diagnostic investigation (contact fsnhealth@marab acuk or the Duty Inspector at 01224 295525). This may be co-ordinated via the local District Salmon Fishery Board or Fisheries Trust biologist, (contact ww asfo,ora.uk/asfo htm 9. DISINFECTANT APPROVALSCHEME Under provisions of the Animal Health Act 1984, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Afairs (Defra) maintains a ist of disinfectants that are approved for use in the control of notifable diseases of terrestrial animals and birds. At present. fis system of approval does not extend to the notifiable diseases of fish and shellfish Directive 98/6/EC of he European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market specifies that all biocides should be demonstrably both affcacious and safe for their intanded purpose before they can be marketed. Appropriate efficacy testing standards were nat specified in the Directive and itwill be some time before products that are currently in use are re-evaluated against te standard criteria Defra propose to intraduce a voluntary listing system whereby companies can demonstrate to Detra that products are effecve at inactivating a range of pathogens found in aquaculture. Products that pass appropriate test criteria can then be listed as being effective against the pathogens they have been tested against This list should be useful, both to companies wishing to market disinfectants for use in aquaculture, ‘as well as to health professionals and fish farmers wishing to select appropriate biocides, REFERENCES Ane, W. 1982. Vergleichende Untersuchungen uber die Stabiltat von vir ischpathogenen Viren (VHSV, PFR, SVCV, IPNV), ZbL.Vet. Med. B., 29, 457-476. Dorson, M. and Michel, C. 1987. Evaluation de Teficacite de cing ammoniums quaternaires sur les principaux virus et bacteries pathogenes. pourles salmonides. Bull. Fr. Peche Piscic, 308, 61-56. Elliott. D.G. and Amend, D.F. 1978. Eficacy of certain disinfectants against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus.J. Fish Biol, 12, 277-286, Frerichs, GIN, Tweedie, A. Starkey, W.G. and Richards, R.H. 2000. Temperature, pH andelectrolyte sensitivity, and heat, UV and disinfectant inactwvation of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) neuropathy nodavirus. Aquaculture, 185, 13-24 Lillved, H., Hektoen.H. and Efraimsen, H. 1995. Inactivation of Bacterial and Viral Fish Pathogens by Ozonation or UV kradation in Water of Diflerent Salinity. Aquaculture Engineering, 14, 107-122. ‘Smail, D.A., Huntly, PJ and Munro, ALS. 1993. Fate of four fish pathogens after exposure to fish silage containing fish farm mortalities ang Conditions for te inactivation of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. Aquaculture, 113, 173-181 ‘Smail, D.A., Grant, R., Simpson, D., Bain, N. and Hastings, T-S. 2004. Disinfectants against cultured infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) virus: the virucidal effect of three iodophors, chloramine T, chlorine dioxide and peraceiic acidmycrogen peroxide/acetic acid mixture Aquaculture, 240,29-38. ‘Torgersen, Y. 1988. Physical and chemical inactivation ofthe Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) virus. In: Hastein.T. (ED), Workshop on ISA. Now Brunswick, St Andrews, pp.44-53. (Annex 5) Whipple, MJ. and Rohovec, JS. 1994. The effect ofheat and low pH on selected viral and bacterial fish pathogens. Aquaculture, 123, 179- 189, Scottish Quality Salmon, Scottsh Executive and Fisheries Research Services.Code of practice fo Avoid and Minimise the Impact of Infectious ‘Salmon Anaemia (ISA). Crown copyright (2000) The Crown Estate, 10 Charlote Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR. 16 pp. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html 098sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Scottish Executive and Fisheries Research Services. Final Report ofthe Joint Governmentindustry Working Group on Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA). Crown copyright (2000) 136 pp. (hilodiwuw frs-scoland.gov.ul), Scotish Executive and DEFRA Keep Fish Diseases Out A guide to protecting freshwater fish stocks from gyrodactylosis and other serious fish diseases. Crown copyright (2005) 2 pp. APPENDIX! SEPA Contact Addresses for Further Information North Region North Region HQ, Graesser House, Fodderty Way, Dingwall, IV15 9XB Tel: 01349 862021; Fax: 01349 863987 Fort William Area Office, Carr’s Comer, Lochybridge, Fort Wiliam, PH33 6TQ Tel: 01397 704426; Fax: 01397 705404. Thurso Area Office, Thurso Business Park, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7XW Tel: 01847 894422; Fax: 01847 893365 Western Isles Area Office, 2 James Square, James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2QN Tel: 01851 706477; Fax: 01851 703510. Orkney Area Office, 58A Junction Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1AG Tel: 01856 871080; Fax: 01856 871090 Shetland Area Office, The Esplanade, Lerwick, ZE1 OLL Tel: 01595 696926; Fax: 01595 696946 West Region West Region HQ, 5 Redwood Crescent, Peel Park, East Kilbride, G74 SPP Tel: 01355 574200; Fax: 01355 264323 Argyll and Bute Area Office, 2 Smithy Lane, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8TA Tel: 01546 602876; Fax: 01546 602337 APPENDIX II Local Authority Contact Addresses for Further Information Aberdeen City Aberdeen City Council, Town House, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1FY TEL: 01224 522000 FAX: 01224 644346 Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire Council, Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB16 5GB TEL: 01467 620981 FAX: 01224 665444 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html so7nisesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Angus ‘Angus Council, Council Headquarters, The Cross, Forfar, DD8 1BX TEL: 01307 461460 FAX: 01307 461874 Argyll and Bute Argyll and Bute Council Headquarters, Kilmory Castle, Lochgiphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT TEL: 01546 602127, FAX: 01546 604138 Clackmannanshire Clackmannanshire Council, Greenfield, Alloa, FK10 2AD TEL: 01259 452002, FAX: 01259 452230 Dumfries and Galloway Dumfries and Galloway Council, Council Offices, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DD TEL: 01387 260000, FAX: 01387 260034 Dundee city Dundee City Council, 21 City Square Dundee, DD1 3BY TEL: 01382 434201, FAX: 01382 434996 East Ayrshire East Ayrshire Council Council Headquarters London Road Kilmarnock KA3 7BU TEL: 01563 576000 FAX: 01563 574062 East Dunbartonshire Enviromental Health, East Dunbartonshire Council, Tom Johnston House, Civic Way, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 4TJ TEL: 0141 761 4891, FAX: 0141 761 4888 East Lothian East Lothian Council, Council Buildings, Court Street, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 3HA, TEL! 01620 827827, FAX: 01620 827888 East Renfrewshire East Renfrewshire Council, Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, East, Renfrewshire, G46 6UG Tel. no. 0141-577 3009, Fax no, 0141-577 3890 Edinburgh, City of City of Edinburgh Council, Council Headquarters, Wellington Court, 10 Waterloo Place, EDINBURGH, EH1 3EG TEL: 0131 200 2000, FAX: 0131 469 3010 Eilean Siar, Comhairle nan (Previously known as Western Isles Council) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BW TEL: 01851 703773, FAX: 01851 705349 Fal Falkirk Council, Municipal Buildings, Falkirk, FK1 5RS TEL: 01324 506070, FAX: 01324 506071 Fife Fife Council, Fife House, North Street, Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 SLT TEL: 01592 413998, FAX: 01592 413990 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sowi98sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Glasgow City Glasgow City Council, City Chambers, George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DU TEL: 0141 287 2000, FAX: 0141 287 5666 Highland Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX TEL: 01463 702000, FAX: 01463 702111 Inverclyde Inverclyde Council, Clyde Square, Municipal Buildings, Greenock, PA1S 1LY TEL: 01475 717101, FAX: 01475 712777 Midlothian Midlothian Council, Midlothian House, Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 1DJ TEL: 0131270 7500, FAX: 0131 271 3050 Moray Moray Council, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1BX TEL: 01343 643451, FAX: 01343 540183 North Ayrshire North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Friar’s Croft, Irvine, KA12 8EE TEL: 01294 324100, FAX: 01294 324144 North Lanarkshire North Lanarkshire Council, Civic Centre, Motherwell, ML1 1TW TEL: 01698 302222, FAX: 01698 275125 Orkney Islands Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY TEL: 01856 873535, FAX: 01856 874615 Perth & Kinross Perth & Kinross Council, PO Box 77, 1 High Street, Perth, PH1 SPH TEL: 01738 475000, FAX: 01738 635225 Renfrewshire Renfrewshire Council, Council Headquarters, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1WD TEL: 0141 840 3601, FAX: 0141 840 3349 Scottish Borders Scottish Borders Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 OSA TEL: 01835 825055, FAX: 01835 825059 Shetland Islands Shetland Islands Council, Town Hall, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 OHB TEL: 01595 744500, FAX: 01595 744509 South Ayrshire South Ayrshire Council, County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR TEL: 01292 612170, FAX: 01292 612158 South Lanarkshire South Lanarkshire Council, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 OAA TEL: 01698 454444, FAX: 01698 454275, fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html soi98sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Stirling Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stiling, FK8 2ET TEL: 01786 443320, FAX: 01786 443474 West Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire Council, Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU TEL: 01389 737702, FAX: 01389 737700 West Lothian West Lothian Council, West Lothian House, Almondvale Boulevard, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6QG TEL: 01506 777141, FAX: 01506 777102 Checklist for Clear g and Disinfection of Well-boats fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sra199sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Cleaning Tick Disinfection Tick Hult below watertine [Hull betow watertne Hull above waterline Hut above waterline Wells ells Grid plates {Grid plates [Pumps (including vacuum pump) [Pumps (including vacuum pump) [Bilge pumps Bilge pumps [Sea valves [Sea valves Deck [Deck Ratings Ratings [Bulkhead/casings Bulkheadicasings Hatches and covers Hatches and covers Derrick Derrick Crane [Crane Ladders Ladders |Counting table ‘ounting table Ballast tanks Ballast tanks [Other equipment (specify): Other equipment (specify): |Water temperature used: Disinfectant used [Detergentused: [Disinfectant concentration I, Skipper of the Ihave overseen the Cleaning and Disinfection procedures outlined in the Disinfection Guide with regard to ISA virus (Version tI. Signed: Skipper) (witness) Date Pate: Application for Approval to Move Equipment This form may be copied and used when making an application for approval to move equipment to or from site subject to official controls. Fill in the details required and fax or post to: The Duty Inspector, FRS Marine Laboratory, PO Box 101, Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9D8 Fax no: 01224 295620 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice |For Official Use only: Ref no: Inspector: |Site name: Bite no, FSi [Business name: |Contact name: [Tet |Contact address: Fax |Equipment source: |Equipment destination: IProposed date of movement: lEquipmentto be moved: IReason for movement |For Official Use only: [Approved by: Pate: Application for Approval to Harvest Fish This form may be copied and used when making an application for approval to harvest fish from a fish farm site with a Designated Area Order (DAO) or other official control notice in respect of a notifiable disease of fish. Fill in the detalls required and fax or post to: The Duty Inspector, FRS Marine Laboratory, PO Box 101, Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen, A811 9DB Fax no: 01224 295620, fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saesno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice |For Official Use only: Ref. no: Inspector: Site name: ite no: FSI [Business name: |Contact name: [Tet |Contact address: Fax [Proposed start date for harvest: |Proposed finish date for harvest: Number of fish to be harvested: Process plant for harvested fish [Proposed method of transport: |For Official Use only: [Approved by: Date: Check List for Processing Plants fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html APPENDIX VI siv18sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Check Tick Notices restricting access posted at all entrances, Disinfectant foot baths with brushes provided at all entrances and exits with suitable notices. Disinfectant concentration checked and maintained at effective level Vehicles entering and leaving the site pass through disinfection procedure ‘Transport of fish in sealed, clean and disinfected containers On-site vehicles, forklft trucks routinely cleaned and disinfected Drains connected to disinfection plant via filters Yard clean and disinfected - no blood water evident Foot baths in place between discrete work areas, e.g. yard, factory, chill, etc. Protective clothing cleaned and disinfected (at least after every shift) Processing equipment, utensils, etc. routinely cleaned and disinfected ‘System in place to prevent wind blown effluent when emptying fish bins Fish-receiving hopperitank designed to prevent spillage of fish and effluent ‘System in place to prevent access to carcasses by predators, e.g. birds Cleaning and disinfection system in place for empty bins Bins from ISA High Risk Areas kept separate from other bins Eviscerated material pumped into ensilage system and fully contained Log in place to monitor pH of silage (pH <4.0) Filter in place to remove particulates from effluent before treatment Login place to monitor effluent treatment method (e.g. residual free chlorine level in effluent >5 PPM after 30 minutes) pH and free chlorine logs kept for inspection by MLA, Inspected by: Date: [Recommendations for improvements: iN [Specify ANNEX 10 Minimising risks in wellboat operations Introduction ‘The use of wel boais forthe movement of ive fish and for grading and other day to day operations s an inherent part of modern salmon farming. Furthermore, wellboats may be used as a vehicle in the conduct of bath sea lice treatments where a specified biomass of fish is held ina tghlly defined volume of water, thus improving flexibility of approach towards treatment. When wellboats are used to move live fish, they create a ink between fish farms and, therefore, presenta hazard to be considered in risk management and biosecurity measures, The methodology under which risks associated with hazard may be assessed is outlined in ANNEX 8 ‘The guidance on minimising risk in relation to wellbost operations given here is based on the Final Report of te Joint GovemmentIndustry Working Group on Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) in Scotland (2000) hitp:iwww marlab ac.uk, onthe Disinfection Guide (Version IV) Practical Steps to Prevent the Introduction and Minimise Transmission of Disease in Fish (see ANNEX 9) and on additional analysis and information fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html saresno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Minimising the risks, Cleaning and Disinfection ‘The Disinfection Guide (Annex 9) indicates that wellboats may create a potential for pathogen transmission via a number of routes and these potential routes ofransmission should be minimised through the use of sound operating procedures and stict hygiene controls. Notwithstanding, itis accepted that the greatest risks associated withthe use of wellboats arise not from the vessels themselves, but from the live fish they carry and from any pathogens which may be presentin these fish. Thus, fa pathogen is present, the ‘Probability of Establishment and risk of spread will ncreas every significantly + where there is any contact between fish that have been brought to a farm and those that are already there; or + where there is any contact between fish ata farm and potentially contaminated sea water or wash water, or + where there is any contact between equipment on the boat, or pipes linking the boat othe farm, which have been used to handle one batch offish and are not properly cleaned and disinfected before being used to handle another batch of fish Cleaning and disinfection procedure for wel-boats and wel-boat equipment are critical contol point in risk management. Guidelines on a three-stage cleaning and disinfection regime for well-boats are published in tne MSS Disinfection Guide (Annex 8) and for ease of reference are reproduced in Table 7. They are based on a regime focused on the degree of risk that may be encountered under different circumstances. To be fll effective tiey must be robustly established and must take account ofthe potential points on each vessel that may harbour contamination. These may vary in detail from vessel to vessel and each vessel therefore requires a robust and ‘customised! cleaning and disinfection plan which must be sticdy adhered to. Farmers should seek written assurance ftom well-boat operators that they have an up-to- date cleaning and disinfection plan thats being followed routinely. ‘Tablet Disinfection stages for wellboats under different operating scenarios. fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html sw8sno12015 Scotish Salmon- The Code of Good Practice Operation Stage 1 Stage 2 Sta Ariving in UK waters x x x Leaving a site suspected or confirmed infacted with a notifiable disease x x x Leaving a Control! Zone or Surveillance Zone? for a new operating location of greaterhealth status X «XX Leaving a Surveillance Zone? on shuttle runs, to destinations of greater health status x ‘Operating between sites of equal status witnin a single management area x ‘Operating on shuttle runs between sites of equal status x Leaving operations in one management areato startin a diferent area x Xx Before and after operating ata broodstock site x x Routine ant:-fouling (fllawing company inspection) x xX x Notes: 1.A Control Zone is a zone established for contol of notifable diseases e.g. ISA In coastal areasitis defined as a circle of radius equal to. ‘one tidal excursion centred on the farm that has been diagnosed as infected. In inland areas @ Control Zone may comprise all or part of a water catchment area, 2. Surveillance Zone is defined as an area surrounding the Control Zone e.g. ISA. In coastal areas itis defined as an area surrounding the Control Zone of overtapping tidal excursion zones. in inland waters a Surveillance Zone comprises an extended area oulside the designated Control Zone. 3. Notall farm sites necessarily will have equal status within a Surveillance Zone® 4. Subject to MSS approval, Stage 2 disinfection may be acceptable in the case ofa vessel leaving a Surveillance Zone or a Control Zone, oF ‘8 suspicious ste, ifa sel polishing type of ant-foulant paint is used on the hull, and the hull is foulant ree. ‘The cleaning and disinfection regime outlined in ANNEX 9 involves the following three stages. Stage 4 (Daily hygiene procedure when working with fish) Brushislean solids from all surfaces. Al pipe work, including vacuum pumps, must be cleared of fish or fish waste. Pressure clean (with detergent) areas which have been in contact with fish and water with which fish have had contact + deck; + wells; + protective clothing: + fishpumps and piping + all other relevant on-board equipment Hotwater cleaning may give optimum performance but check manufacturers’ instructions andior recommendations on specific items of equipment or clothing Stage 2 Complete Stage 1 then steam clean and disinfect all surfaces, including hull down to the waterline, Stage 3 fess AUsersiMaredDestop'Scotish%.20Samon%s20-%20TI 20 ode%2008%.20Go00%20Practc Html se98