EU Commission extends organic rules to aquaculture

The EU Commission has set the detailed rules extending the implementation of the Council organic production and labelling regulation to aquaculture production and seaweeds. The regulation sets conditions for the aquatic production environment, for impacts on other species of animal, plants and birds, separation of organic and non-organic aquaculture units, allows the use of non-organic fish broodstock, and requires animal welfare conditions in husbandry and slaughter to be addressed (including maximum stocking densities).

It specifies that biodiversity should be respected, and does not allow the use of induced spawning by artificial hormones.

Organic feeds should be used where they are available. However, there is no requirement for fish feeds to be derived from sustainably managed fisheries, providing that they meet animal health requirements regarding protection against spongiform encephalopathies.

Astaxanthin is permitted as a feed additive “within the limit of physiological needs”.

Special provisions are made for bivalve molluscs.

Veterinary interventions to protect animal health should follow a regime which provides for an order of preference in applications and extended withdrawal periods.

[Source: Richard Nelson National Organic Aquaculture Work Group]