Compliance with regulatory requirements in relation to environmental impact management and monitoring is a prerequisite of all producers wishing to be certified to an RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme Standard.
For aquaculture to be sustainable, there is a need to balance, rather than trade-off, the welfare of farmed fish and protection of the environment. As such, RSPCA Australia relies on the expertise of those operating and assessing recognised aquaculture certification schemes to assist in ensuring there is a duty to care for the natural environment and to monitor and limit possible impacts on it. It is a requirement of the Standard that an aquaculture company demonstrate participation in and conformance with a recognised, third-party audited certification scheme that promotes best environmental practice. RSPCA will assess the suitability of such schemes on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to fully complying with all relevant legislation, the company should demonstrably and proactively review their environmental protection policies in line with developments in research and technology. It is the responsibility of farm management to ensure that all staff recognises their duty to care for the natural environment and monitor possible impacts.
To learn more about the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme or to download the Standard visit our website.
