ISO 12878:2012

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12878
First edition
2012-07-01
Environmental monitoring of the impacts
from marine finfish farms on soft bottom
Surveillance environnementale des impacts sur le fond mou des
exploitations de pisciculture marine
Reference number
©
ISO 2012
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ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principles for monitoring . 3
4.1 Aim and principles . 3
4.2 Impact zones . 4
4.3 Survey types . 5
5 Methodology . 5
5.1 Sampling strategy . 5
5.2 Frequency of operational monitoring of local impact zone . 7
5.3 Frequency of operational transect monitoring . 7
5.4 Evaluation of results .10
5.5 Maps and charts . 11
5.6 Additional data collection — Biological production at finfish farm . 11
5.7 Report . 11
6 Quality assurance and quality control . 11
6.1 Aim and principles . 11
6.2 Equipment calibration and operating safety .12
6.3 Checklists, sample log and anomaly reporting .12
6.4 Taxa identification .12
Annex A (informative) Examples on environmental monitoring on the seabed impact from marine
finfish farms .13
Annex B (informative) Example — Base map .21
Annex C (informative) Example of monitoring report format and some sample content .22
Bibliography .30
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 12878 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 234, Fisheries and aquaculture.
iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Particulate effluents from finfish farms can affect environmental conditions on the surrounding seafloor as well
as the health of the farmed fish. These effluents consist of excess feed and faecal pellets from the fish, and
are released as particles in a variety of sizes, depending on the fish species, feed type, temperature and other
conditions in the aquaculture operation. Depending on the hydrodynamic and bathymetric conditions in the
area, the particles settle on the seabed at various distances from the finfish cages. This leads to changes in
the chemistry and the biology of the sediments, and if the effluent load is high it can even result in sediments
depleted of biota.
The aquaculture industry is dependent on favourable environmental conditions to ensure good fish health and
optimal growth. Excessive accumulation of organic material in the form of waste feed pellets and fish faeces
can change the habitat characteristics of bottom substrates, leading to eutrophication and associated negative
changes in biodiversity. Repeated and systematic monitoring can give an overview of changes in bottom
conditions, and remedial action can be implemented should the developments be in a negative direction.
All livestock farming has some impact on the environment. It is intended that the environmental impact on the
seabed not exceed acceptable and agreed-upon limits established for the local impact zone or farm licence
area. Threshold values for environmental impact are expected to be set to prevent unacceptable impact on
the seabed in the surrounding area and on its biota. Threshold values are also expected to ensure favourable
living conditions for farmed fish such that finfish farm sites can be in use over a longer time period. Pollution
control authorities define threshold values for environmental quality. For personnel and organizations using this
International Standard, it can be helpful to have a reference to the legal and policy framework of their country
or state. It is strongly intended to streamline the environmental monitoring process in a way that involves all
institutions responsible for the marine environment.
The main emphasis of this International Standard is on methods for measuring impacts on the bottom conditions
at and around finfish farm sites. In certain cases, there can be a need for a broader environmental monitoring
programme to highlight a given set of problems or to consider the condition of the receiving environment, as
a whole. In this International Standard, examples of monitoring surveys of finfish farms in some countries are
presented in Annex A.
Finfish farm sites, which are sited over seabed consisting of bedrock, larger rocks/stones or other hard
substrate, can be surveyed following the guidelines given in ISO 19493. This International Standard only gives
guidelines for monitoring of effluents from finfish farms sited on soft bottom.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12878:2012(E)
Environmental monitoring of the impacts from marine finfish
farms on soft bottom
1 Scope
This International Standard establishes an approach for sampling and empirical measurement of soft-bottom
impacts from marine finfish net pen farms, and gives examples of detailed procedures for how environmental
impacts from finfish net pen farm sites can be monitored in the field, including guidelines for quality assurance
of sampling protocols and safety. The emphasis of the environmental impact in this International Standard is
on eutrophication effects on the seabed.
This International Standard identifies ecological objectives, the indicators used, and the methodology and
design, and encompasses guidelines for quality assurance of sampling protocols and operational safety.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 16665, Water quality — Guidelines for quantitative sampling and sample processing of marine soft-
bottom macrofauna
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
anchoring area
area delimited by the anchoring points of the cage area
3.2
anchor line
line, cable or chain from the anchor points to the cage area
3.3
anchor points
attachment point of the anchor line
3.4
area of influence
area of seabed where environment is influenced or expected to be influenced, based on the available information
or as identified through the use of predictive models
3.5
baseline monitoring
sampling of an area of influence, which previously was not used for finfish production
3.6
benthic
associated with the seafloor
[ISO 16665:2005, definition 2.2]
3.7
benthic macrofauna
bottom-dwelling animals retained on a mesh screen of 0,5 mm or 1 mm aperture size
[ISO 16665:2005, definition 2.3]
3.8
biological production
biomass remaining in the cages(s) at the end of the year, minus the starting biomass at the beginning of the
year, plus harvested biomass, mortalities and waste
NOTE The term “waste” includes escapees and sorted-out fish, which are not harvested.
3.9
cage
floating framework with attached net bag, which encloses the fish, and which forms a part of the fish farm
3.10
cage area
area of seabed directly below the cage
3.11
environmental monitoring
systematic observation, measurement and calculation of the condition of the environment, emission of pollutants
or populations and species, which are necessary for the assessment of the condition of the environment, the
development of environment policies and the planning of environmental protection measures, as well as the
control of the effectiveness thereof
3.12
fish farm site
geographically defined location for aquaculture
3.13
hard substrate
hard bottom
substrate consisting of bedrock, larger rocks/stones or fixed marine constructions such as wharfs, quays
and pipelines
3.14
indicator species
benthic species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment or that serves as a measure of the
environmental conditions existing in a given location
3.15
monitoring level
scope of survey required to determine whether or not the environmental impact is retained within specified
threshold values
3.16
monitoring programme
set of routine measurements of parameters which describe environmental effects from finfish farms
3.17
operational monitoring
sampling conducted during operation of a finfish aquaculture facility
3.18
pilot survey
survey used for simple rapid assessment and basic information on a site
2 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

3.19
production cycle
period from the time fish are initially stocked into the sea until the cohort is completely removed through
harvesting or transfer
3.20
receiving environment
water body that receives input of natural or anthropogenic origin
3.21
reference station
sampling station chosen to represent background or natural environmental conditions in a given area on
seabed, i.e. free from direct anthropogenic influences
NOTE Adapted from ISO 16665:2005.
3.22
sampling station
precise location where recording is carried out and any samples are collected
NOTE Adapted from ISO 16665:2005.
3.23
sediment condition
classification of the observed condition in the sediment
3.24
soft bottom
areas of seafloor consisting of loose deposited particles, including clay, mud, sand and gravel, shells and
maerl, where it is possible to sample with a grab or a corer
NOTE A minimum of three sampling attempts are intended to be carried out. If any one is successful, it is intended
that the substrate be treated as soft. It also includes mixed substrata with gravels, small stones and pebbles scattered on
a bed of finer material, but excludes cobble.
3.25
soft-bottom fauna
animals living on or completely/partially buried in soft sediments
3.26
tenure
total area on seabed that is licensed or otherwise permitted by governmental authority to be utilized for finfish farming
3.27
threshold value
value of a parameter that divides between defined levels of impact in a monitoring programme
3.28
transect monitoring
documentation of qualitative and quantitative changes over a distance
4 Principles for monitoring
4.1 Aim and principles
The ecological objective of the monitoring is systematic observation, measurement and calculation of the
condition of the environment, emission of pollutants or populations and species, which are necessary for the
assessment of the condition of the environment, and the planning of environmental protection measures, as
well as the control of the effectiveness thereof.
The effort of environmental monitoring should be proportional to the scale of impact and should focus on long
term sustainable use of the seabed in farming areas.
Principles for monitoring of environmental impact on the seabed may be summarized as follows:
— before a site is utilized for aquaculture production, baseline monitoring should be carried out, if possible;
— if baseline monitoring is not possible, a reference station may be utilized for comparison;
— threshold values for environmental impact should be set such that finfish farm sites may be in use over a
longer time period. These values should aim to ensure favourable living conditions for farmed fish as well
as to prevent unacceptable impact on the surrounding seabed area. The responsible government may
have established threshold values for unacceptable impact and impact categories;
— monitoring of the seabed should be regular; the more impact a finfish farm has on the seabed, the more
often the monitoring survey should be performed (see Table 3);
— different monitoring surveys may be used in different areas: where little impact is tolerated by pollution
authorities or by society, the survey should be able to detect subtle changes; where more impact is
tolerated, a simpler survey may be enough to provide a satisfactory result;
— the monitoring survey used should be suited to the task and the following considered: the aim of the
monitoring; how detailed the survey should be to provide a comprehensive result; the level of accuracy
needed for the measured variables; practicality, efficiency, time consumption and costs involved in relation
to the outcome; transparency;
— surveys comprising multiple parameters are less sensitive to anomalies in individual parameters and may
provide a more robust result;
— the variables that make up a monitoring survey may be organized in modules and be replaced or modified,
as appropriate, according to new knowledge, techniques or legislations.
4.2 Impact zones
Finfish farm effluent consists of large particles (e.g. waste feed pellets and intact faecal pellets), smaller
suspended particles (e.g. feed dust and broken faecal pellets) and dissolved material (nutrients, organic
compounds, etc.). These types of effluents have different potential dispersal kinetics and affect the water
column and seafloor at varying distances from the finfish farm. Normally, a greater impact is accepted under
a finfish farm than further out into the receiving environment. Around a finfish farm, various impact zones are
formed, which are affected to different degrees (see Table 1). For medium- to high-current sites, it is possible
that the maximum impact does not occur under the farm, but rather adjacent and down current to the farm.
Table 1 — Overview of impact zones
Type of impact zone
Local impact zone Intermediate impact zone Regional impact zone
Definition Area of seabed under and near Area of seabed between the Area of seabed beyond
a finfish farm where most of the local impact zone and the intermediate zone
larger particles are deposited, regional impact zone, where
e.g. less than 30 m from cages. sedimentation of smaller
particles occurs. At deep,
high-current sites, also larger
particles can accumulate here.
Source of Finfish farm The finfish farm is the main The finfish farm is one of
impact source of impact, but other several potential sources of
factors can also contribute. impact.
Potential Changes in the physical, Usually less impacts relative to Changes in benthic fauna and
impact chemical and biological the local impact zone. community structure
conditions on the seafloor
The type of survey used depends on the level of impact and on the kind of impact zone which is monitored.
4 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

4.3 Survey types
Surveys may be divided into three main categories (see Table 2) according to the objectives.
Table 2 — Overview of main categories of survey type
Survey type Objectives
Baseline monitoring Characterizes conditions in a given area of seabed before operation of a finfish aquaculture
facility. Also maps or identifies the impact of other sources. Faunal composition and/or
biogeochemical and hydrodynamic parameters are compared with specified assessment
criteria or simply with other representative areas of seabed (reference areas).
Operational monitoring The samples are taken close to the aquaculture facility in the local impact zone for frequent
of local impact zone surveillance of impact from finfish farm.
Operational transect The samples are taken in a transect from the local, to the intermediate and to the regional
monitoring impact zone for surveillance of the impact o the finfish farm, impact of other potential
sources and for documentation of natural environmental and biological changes.
In addition, a pilot survey may be conducted. A pilot survey gives a general overview of bottom and faunal
conditions and is used either for simple rapid assessment or to give basic information for designing more
detailed sampling programmes.
For further information on the different survey types, see ISO 16665.
5 Methodology
5.1 Sampling strategy
5.1.1 Sampling programme and planning
The design of the sampling programme depends on the detailed aims of the survey and the required power of
the data. The programme should be developed with regard to local bathymetric and hydrodynamic conditions
in the survey seabed area, information on local contamination sources and knowledge from previous surveys,
if any. The number of sampling stations, their positions and numbers of replicate samples to be taken at
each sampling station, as described in the following subclauses, should be established according to the main
prevalent currents within the area and prior to the initiation of the survey.
Baseline monitoring of the seafloor is conducted before operation of a finfish aquaculture facility is started.
Based on information about water currents, bathymetry and layout for the planned finfish farm, the amount
and pattern of the deposition of effluents from the farm on the seafloor may be predicted. A frequently used
term for this deposition is “footprint of deposition” around the cages. There are several ways to estimate the
footprint of deposition. A simplified method for prediction is to include the potential site area of seabed, plus
the expected deposition downstream of the finfish farm. Recommended computerized tools for prediction of
deposition footprints around finfish operations are also available. Based on the predicted footprint of deposition
and information about water currents, bathymetry and layout for the planned finfish farm, the geographical
coordinates for the sampling stations for baseline and operational monitoring can be set out as described in 5.1.2.
For finfish farms that are already established, positioning makes reference to the positions of cages and containments
and, if possible, to geographic position survey locations. It can be set out directly as described in 5.1.2.
For groups of adjacent compact cages or cage arrays, the samples should be taken along the outer edge of,
and, if possible, in between the individual cages. The sampling area of seabed should, as far as possible, be
representative of the entire area under the finfish farm (local impact zone).
For dispersed cages, the samples should be taken along the outer edge of the cages, and if possible,, in
between the individual dispersed cages. At least one sample should be taken at each cage, depending on the
total number of cages at the finfish farm site, as well as a holistic assessment of how the most representative
picture may be achieved.
5.1.2 Positioning of sampling stations
Before the positioning of sampling stations, information about water currents, bathymetry, layout and deposition
footprint for the finfish farm should be available.
5.1.2.1 Sampling stations for operational monitoring of local impact zone
A minimum of four samples should be taken from each finfish farming site. Additional samples should be
considered depending on the size of the operation. Sampling should be carried out from the edge of the
cages or containments, or in their immediate vicinity. The sampling points should be positioned according to
the bathymetry, dominant current direction and the dimensions and layout of the finfish farm, such that they
represent as greatly as possible, the entire local impact zone.
All the observations made should be noted in the field log and included in the subsequent evaluation of results.
All sampling positions should be shown on a map, preferably geo-referenced.
5.1.2.2 Sampling stations for operational transect monitoring
Samples from at least three sampling stations, at least one in each impact zone, should be taken. These three
stations shall be considered fixed long-term monitoring stations, provided the cages do not shift in location due
to intentional or unintentional changes.
The number of replicates taken on each sampling station should be chosen on the basis of statistical necessity.
At least two replicates are recommended at each sampling station:
— at least one set of samples should be taken in the local impact zone downstream as close to the cage area
as practicable (sampling station 1) at the perimeter of containment structures;
— at least one set should be taken downstream in the intermediate impact zone (sampling station 2), typically
30 m away from cage area or as defined by the regulator;
— at least one set should be taken downstream in the regional impact zone (sampling station 3), typically,
100 m from cage area or as defined by the regulator;
— if a depression exists in the area of influence where accumulation of waste from the finfish farm is
probable, sampling station 3 is positioned in this depression. In this case, sampling station 2 should be
taken downstream in the intermediate impact zone, half-way between the cage area and the depression.
If the cages are located over a steep slope without sediment accumulation, sampling station 1 and sampling
station 2 should be positioned at the foot of the slope. If it is not possible to obtain samples from near the finfish
farm (sampling station 1) or further out into the intermediate impact zone (sampling station 2), all three sampling
stations should be positioned in the nearest deep area of seabed.
5.1.2.3 Sampling stations for baseline monitoring
The same number of stations for baseline monitoring are positioned, if possible, at the same geographical
coordinates or relative positions as stations for operational monitoring of the local impact zone plus stations for
operational transect monitoring. Furthermore, one or more reference stations should be chosen between 500 m
and 2 000 m beyond the local impact zone. Reference stations are used to determine whether observed changes
adjacent to the farm are a result of farm activities or due to changes in the broader receiving environment.
They can also be used to indicate changes in the receiving environment associated with carrying capacity. The
reference stations should, as far as possible, be representative of conditions unaffected by effluent sources
and allow assessment of natural temporal and spatial variations in the soft-bottom faunal communities.
Reference stations should be located in conditions as similar as possible to those at the regular sampling
stations, i.e. with similar depth and sediment type as indicated by analyses of sediment grain size distribution.
Multiple reference stations are particularly important in heterogeneous areas of seabed. Reference stations
should be considered as fixed long-term monitoring stations.
A baseline survey consists of a minimum of eight sampling stations: a minimum of four sampling stations, which
during operation of the finfish farm are used as sampling stations for operational monitoring of local impact
6 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

zone, plus a minimum of three sampling stations that later will be used for operational transect monitoring, plus
minimum one reference station.
Baseline monitoring of the seabed is conducted only once before operation of the farm is started. The
parameters, which are monitored during a baseline survey, are described in Table 5. Reference station(s) are,
in general, monitored during baseline monitoring and only during operation of a finfish farm if environmental
conditions in the area require a comparison with fixed long-term monitoring stations.
5.1.2.4 Positioning of sampling stations for operations with scattered distribution
In special circumstances, sampling stations may be randomly distributed. An example of this application can
be where no previous knowledge of the seabed area is available as a guide to appropriate positioning, for
instance for baseline monitoring in an area of seabed where it is intended to establish several small finfish
farms close to each other in a region. This can also be the case in regions where organic input comes from
several independently managed finfish farm operations and where it is not possible to establish a set of
sampling stations, which is unaffected by neighbouring farms or other sources of organic input. Under these
circumstances, monitoring stations for monitoring of intermediate and regional impact zones may be positioned
randomly distributed. Reference stations should still be positioned beyond the affected seabed area. The
reference stations should, as far as possible, be representative of conditions unaffected by effluent sources
and allow assessment of natural temporal and spatial variations in the soft-bottom faunal communities. Stations
for operational monitoring should be positioned along the edge of the cages or containments.
5.2 Frequency of operational monitoring of local impact zone
The effort made for environmental monitoring should be proportional to the scale of impact and should focus on
long-term sustainable use of the marine environment. Guidance on the frequency of operational monitoring of
local impact zone is given in Table 3. The timing of the survey is determined by the production cycle at the finfish
farm site, i.e. surveys should be carried out during periods where the feed consumption is highest. A common
component of aquaculture site management is the use of fallow periods, which allow some time for ecosystems
to assimilate organic inputs from farm activities. Fallowing may impact the frequency of monitoring required.
Table 3 — Guidance on the frequency of operational monitoring of local impact zone at finfish farm
sites (local impact zone) in relation to impacts at the site (sediment condition)
Sediment condition Minimum monitoring frequency
Very good Every second year or every second production cycle
Good Every production cycle, alternatively every year
Poor Every six months
Very poor In most countries, authorities require that production
changes be made.
NOTE Under very poor conditions, it is likely that the sediments are totally anoxic, with production of methane gas and hydrogen
sulfide, and with a total absence of burrowing organisms (infauna).
Threshold values between the various sediment conditions are set by the responsible government.
5.3 Frequency of operational transect monitoring
5.3.1 General
If the results of operational monitoring indicate declining sediment condition in the local impact zone, operational
transect monitoring is triggered. Guidance on the frequency for carrying out operational transect monitoring
is given in Table 4. The timing of the survey is determined by the production cycle at the finfish farm site, i.e.
surveys should be carried out during periods where the potential maximum impact is likely.
Table 4 — Guidance on the frequency of operational transect monitoring at finfish farm sites in
relation to impacts at the site (sediment condition)
Sediment condition in local impact zone Minimum monitoring frequency of transect
Very good No transect monitoring necessary
Good Every second year or every second production cycle
Poor Every production cycle, alternatively every year
Very poor In most countries, authorities require that production
changes be made.
NOTE Under very poor conditions, it is likely that the sediments are totally anoxic, with production of methane gas and hydrogen
sulfide, and with a total absence of burrowing organisms (infauna).
Threshold values between the various sediment conditions are set by the responsible government.
5.3.2 Parameters
5.3.2.1 General
The decision regarding which parameters to use depends on current legislation, the survey type (baseline or
operational monitoring), the impact (high or low) and the size of the impacted seabed area (size of deposition
footprint) as well as cost-effectiveness, availability of laboratory or field equipment and trained personnel.
Where a set of parameters has been chosen, it should be used repeatedly, thereby ensuring that results can
be compared over time. Because rules have to be applied in the same manner to every farm, a set of similar
parameters should be selected for finfish farms operating under similar conditions in a region, state or country.
Examples of sets of parameters which are applied in monitoring of finfish farms in countries in the temperate
zone are given in Annex A.
The aim of monitoring of the seabed is to detect ongoing major changes in the infauna assembly. However,
the analysis of changes in fauna communities is time consuming and requires fauna experts. Therefore, the
measurement of chemical parameters may be used to reveal the conditions in which the fauna live. These
measurements may be used for the prediction of impact on the infauna.
Various parameters have been used to detect changes in the seabed, which result from organic effluents
from fish farms. The parameters can be divided into three groups: visual, chemical and biological. A set of
parameters within each group can be more informative than a single parameter.
— Visual parameters may be obtained either by underwater photography, videography or visual description
of sampled sediments. This requires sampling or video equipment, and trained personnel.
— Chemical parameters require sampling equipment and chemical analysis, either by electrodes or in the
laboratory. Personnel should be trained.
— Biological parameters require heavier sampling equipment, fauna identification and highly trained experts.
A survey consists of a set of parameters. The methodology for the analysis of parameters should be standardized
as far as possible to allow for comparison between sites and between years.
Threshold levels for individual or combined parameters may be set by the authorities and depend on the
degree of acceptable impact.
5.3.2.2 Visual parameters
Visual observations include sediment colour, sediment texture, smell, presence of gas bubbles, presence
of mats of white sulfur bacteria (e.g. Beggiatoa), presence of fish feed and faecal pellets, and thickness of
deposits on top of the original sediment. If it is present and can be seen, the redox potential discontinuity level
(the black layer depth) should be reported. These variables are usually not quantitative, but provide useful
information about the condition of the sediment.
8 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

5.3.2.3 Chemical parameters
Commonly used chemical parameters are: redox potential, free sulfide, pH, organic content, total organic carbon,
total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Furthermore, zinc and copper content may be measured if relevant, and
additional information may be gained by measuring carbonate content (buffer capacity). Chemical parameters
are well suited to distinguish between low and high impact.
5.3.2.4 Biological parameters
Biological parameters include simple measures for benthic diversity, such as the number of species or
indicator species and/or different macro fauna and infauna community analysis, such as Shannon-Wiener
Index, Hurlberts Index, Infaunal Trophic Index (ITI) and AMBI (Azti Marine Biotic Index). These indices are
calculated from data collected from quantitative analysis and taxonomic identification of animals sampled from
the sediments.
The benthic macro fauna and infauna is a better detector of smaller changes than chemical parameters and
may be preferred in areas where only low impacts are accepted. However, fauna analysis requires specialists
(taxonomists) and heavier equipment and, therefore, is more expensive than measuring of chemical parameters.
Sediment grain size distribution is determined together with biological parameters.
Guidance on the selection of parameters for monitoring programmes is given in Table 5. Sediment grain
size distribution is used to determine the type of sediment and the characteristic of the seabed, and may be
measured only once as part of the baseline survey. Other additional parameters may be used and the addition
of a parameter increases the robustness and accuracy of the survey.
It is recommended that standard methodologies be used whenever possible for all measured variables.
Table 5 — Monitoring programme for baseline surveys and operational monitoring
Survey type Parameters
a b
Minimum Additional
Baseline survey Visual Chemical
sediment colour, sediment texture, redox potential, free sulfide, pH, total
smell, presence of gas bubbles, organic carbon, organic content, total
presence of mats of white sulfur nitrogen, total phosphorus
bacteria
Biological
Chemical either taxonomic analysis of infauna
redox potential or free sulfide or total to family level or infauna community
organic carbon or organic content analysis
Biological
presence or absence of fauna
Other
sediment grain size distribution
Operational monitoring for local Visual Chemical
impact zone sediment colour, sediment texture, redox potential, free sulfide, pH, total
smell, presence of gas bubbles, organic carbon, organic content, total
presence of mats of white sulfur nitrogen, total phosphorus
bacteria, presence of fish feed
Biological
and faecal pellets and thickness
taxonomic analysis of infauna to
of deposits on top of the original
family level
sediment
Chemical
redox potential or free sulfide or total
organic carbon or organic content
Biological
presence or absence of fauna
Operational transect monitoring Visual Chemical
sediment colour, sediment texture, redox potential, free sulfide, pH, total
smell, presence of gas bubbles, organic carbon, organic content, total
presence of mats of white sulfur nitrogen, total phosphorus
bacteria, presence of fish feed and
Biological
faecal pellets
benthic infauna community analysis
Chemical
redox potential or free sulfide or total
organic carbon or organic content
Biological
taxonomic analysis of macro fauna to
family level
Other
sediment grain size distribution
a
Either total organic carbon or electrochemical measurements are strongly recommended. Organic content alone would not be
acceptable in most countries.
b
This list is not exhaustive.
5.4 Evaluation of results
The results from measurement of the various parameters should be compared to threshold values for the
individual variable or group(s) of variables. The threshold values may be set by the responsible government and
reflect the impact which is acceptable. For information on changes in the various parameters as a consequence
of organic impact of sediments, see Reference [8]. For examples of threshold levels for various parameters
used in different countries, see Annex A.
10 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

5.5 Maps and charts
At least one map/chart showing the layout of the finfish farm operation and monitoring stations shall be
produced. The chart for a fish farm should cover at least the anchoring and the entire monitoring area. The
accuracy and presentation should cover all the relevant topographical features of the seabed area. The scale
of the chart is adjusted to the size of the area of interest. Sampling points and position of the fish farm should
be drawn on to the chart.
A geo-referenced point, preferably, a global positioning system (GPS) noted reference point, associated with
the registered place name or equivalent should be marked on the chart of the site, to ensure correct site-
and station positioning during monitoring. The reference point should be specified in degrees, minutes and
seconds. Examples of suitable chart material are given in Annex B.
5.6 Additional data collection — Biological production at finfish farm
The following information provides useful context for interpretation of results. If possible, the following
information should be collected:
— the standing biomass at the finfish farm at the time of the survey and the maximum biomass during the year;
— the total production of finfish and total amount of feed used during the production cycle;
— mortality, where it can be a significant organic input.
5.7 Report
The report should give a short description of conditions under the finfish farm and a comparison of results from
the different samples. The sampling points should be geo-referenced and marked on the map/chart.
If the sediment conditions vary between different parts of the finfish farm, this should be commented upon.
Individual samples showing poor and very poor conditions should be noted and assessed independently of the
overall conditions at the finfish farm site. The report should include advice on remedial actions to improve the
finfish farm sediment conditions, where relevant.
The report should compare the results with previous surveys and explain any changes over time. It should
include all data and information necessary to allow others to repeat the survey.
6 Quality assurance and quality control
6.1 Aim and principles
Quality assurance and quality control measures should be incorporated during all stages of sampling and sample
processing programmes. These principles help to guarantee that all data produced are of an acceptable quality,
and that all parts of the work are carried out in a standardized and intercomparable manner. All procedures
should therefore be clearly described and carried out openly, such that all activities can be audited at any time.
The overall aim is to ensure traceability and full documentation of samples, equipment and reporting
It is essential that all participating staff be given the appropriate training and that a minimum level of competence
be achieved and documented, for example by a certificate system. This includes all parts of the process, from
sample collection and processing to documentation. Staff should participate in appropriate workshops and
courses whenever possible. Some countries employ a “qualified person” system, where it is the responsibility
of the reporting agency or company to establish competence and qualification, i.e. through a combination of
experience and education/relevant body of work.
Staff who survey biological samples and identify taxa shall have a proven level of relevant taxonomic
competence. Where available, identifiers should participate in national/international ring tests and other efforts
towards taxonomic standardization.
Where available, survey teams and laboratories should participate in internal or external audits and ring tests.
6.2 Equipment calibration and operating safety
The technical quality of the equipment used should be verified at appropriate intervals. The most important of
these are the following:
— operational safety should comply with health and safety requirements/regulations;
— accuracy of depth and position fixing equipment;
— functionality of electrodes according to manufactures instructions;
— grab or corer for sampling of area;
— sieve mesh apertures (most sieves have manufacturer certification);
— microscope maintenance.
Any other laboratory equipment should also be included in a regular checking system.
6.3 Checklists, sample log and anomaly reporting
To ensure sample traceability, a system of checklists for samples should be developed. The worker associated
with each stage in the process should be noted. A reporting system for anomalies
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