- Before aquaculture farms can operate, future aquaculture producers must obtain an authorisation from the competent national authorities (sometimes regional authorities may be responsible for authorisations). In their assessment, the authorities check if the location proposed is suitable and carefully verify the potential impact of the farm on the environment.
- Aquaculture producers need authorisation before using seawater or fresh water for the farm. When they return it to the environment, the status of the water body must not deteriorate.
- In addition, aquaculture establishments must be registered or approved by sanitary authorities dealing with animal health, and both the farmer and these authorities have an obligation to carry out surveillance for possible diseases.
- Once all authoritations are obtained, aquaculture producers have to comply with several conditions to ensure that aquaculture activities are respectful of the environment, human and animal health and animal welfare.
- Authorised farms must continue to monitor their impact on the environment.
- To protect the environment, producers may only use authorised feed, cleaning products and medicines.
- With respect to animal health, farmers also have the obligation to keep several records, including those concerning how many animals enter and leave the farm and how many die. They must also record the measures they take to prevent and manage any risk of disease. To protect consumers’ health, aquaculture farmers must follow strict rules on food hygiene and animal health. They must only use authorised and controlled feed.
- The use of veterinary medicines requires a prescription from a veterinarian, and only authorised veterinary medicines are permitted, respecting prescribed withdrawal periods and residue limits. Farmers must record all the veterinary medicines they use and keep a copy of the prescriptions.
- In addition, farmers must ensure humane treatment of farmed animals throughout their production cycle and during slaughtering and transport.