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The RAS module
Aquaculture can take place in open, closed and semi-closed systems. Certification of aquatic products from open and semi-closed systems like sea-cages, ponds or flow-through systems have, in the past, been the main focus of the ASC farm standards.
ASC certification gives farms clear guidelines to follow. The RAS Module helps protect farms against these issues:
Minimise negative effect on water resources
Minimise negative effect on water resourcesPrinciple 1 of the RAS Module relates to water use, water quality, and water and waste disposal. Farms are required to always leave at least half of the natural flow in the water body to ensure sufficient water remains to support natural flora and fauna. Further requirements around effluent and biosolids need to be adhered to, including the implementation of best management practices.
Use of resources in an environmentally efficient and responsible manner
Use of resources in an environmentally efficient and responsible mannerPrinciple 2 relates to energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and species-specific recording requirements. Farms are required to record their energy consumption and also develop a strategy to reduce their GHG emissions. Additional species-specific requirements, such as stocking density, need to be recorded to enable ASC to consider metric requirements on these indicators in the future.