Aquamedia: Guiding Principles

The Code of Conduct for European Aquaculture addresses the responsibility of the fish farmer to the fish, the environment and the consumer.

Individuals, co-operatives and companies that engage in aquaculture, singularly and collectively:

Shall consult and collaborate with European, national and regional authorities for the development and implementation of policies, practices and regulations. These policies should assist the achievement of environmental, economic and social sustainability of the aquaculture production sector.
Shall consult and co-operate with other aquaculture producers and sectoral suppliers for the development and agreement of common standards and objectives.
Shall plan and operate aquaculture sites in a manner that minimises unacceptable negative interaction with the environment.
Shall use only such sites whose characteristics are compatible with long-term sustainable operation and with acceptable ecological effects.
Shall plan and operate aquaculture sites in a manner that conserves water resources.
Shall respect the considerations for welfare that apply to the species being raised.
Shall take such measures as are appropriate to avoid disease outbreaks and implement regulated containment procedures should a disease outbreak occur.
Shall use therapeutic agents in accordance with the appropriate legislation and the principles of best practice.
Shall dispose of waste and chemicals in a manner that does not constitute a hazard to human health and the environment and in accordance with the appropriate legislation.
Shall co-operate with those involved in research, technological development and training activities that seek to improve the social and environmental compatibility of aquaculture.
Shall implement improvements in technology and in management where such advances are economically possible and can assist the sustainability of the activity and improve the social and environmental compatibility of aquaculture.
Shall make the best efforts to produce products of the highest quality at all stages of the aquaculture process.