Philippines National Standard (PNS/BAFS 135:2025) Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) — Code of Practice

Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) — Code of Practice PNS/BAFS 135:2025 ICS 67.120.30 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines Trunkline: (632) 928-8741 to 64 loc. 3301-3319 E-mail: info.dabafs@gmail.com Website: www.bafs.da.gov.ph Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) — Code of Practice PNS/BAFS 135:2025 ICS 67.120.30 Copyright © 2025 by Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards All rights reserved. The mention of specific organizations or products, does not mean endorsement or recommendation from the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) in preference to others of similar nature that are not included. The BAFS encourages the reproduction and dissemination of the materials upon request. Applications for permissions to reproduce or disseminate these materials and all other queries should be addressed to the publisher. Published by: Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards BAFS Building, BPI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City info.dabafs@gmail.com | bafs@da.gov.ph (+632) 8928 8756 to 65 local 3301 – 3325 ISBN XXX-XXX-XXX-XXX-X (PDF downloadable) ISBN XXX-XXX-XXX-XXX-X (Softbound/Paperback) www.bafs.da.gov.ph ISBN 978-621-455-578-9 (PDF downlaodable) ISBN 978-621-455-577-2 (Softbound/Paperback) PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 ii Foreword The Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Good Aquaculture Practices (PNS/BAFS 135:2014), was first approved in 2014, adopting the then draft Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) for Food Fish. The standard was developed to promote responsible aquaculture practices, ensure food safety and quality, protect the environment, and safeguard the health and welfare of workers and aquatic organisms. It served as a guiding framework for aquaculture operators in the Philippines to produce safe and high-quality aquaculture products that meet domestic and international market requirements. However, in 2022, the 30th ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Fisheries (ASWGFi) Meeting agreed to revise the Guidelines on ASEAN GAqP for Food Fish and to merge with the Standard ASEAN Shrimp GAqP into one standard. The ASEAN GAqP for Food Fish focused on four aspects, specifically: food safety, animal health and welfare, environmental integrity, and socio-economic. In 2023, the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted an alignment assessment between the existing PNS and the revised ASEAN GAqP, as one of its core processes. The evaluation showed a 48% alignment rating, highlighting the need for substantial revisions to harmonize the national standard with regional benchmarks and to reflect evolving industry practices and regulatory requirements. In response, BAFS-DA included the standard in its 2024 pipelined PNS for revision. The revision process aimed not only to align the content of the PNS with the ASEAN GAqP but also to critically review and update its provisions to ensure their relevance and applicability to the current aquaculture setting in the Philippines. Moreover, this edition adopts the updated PNS format to enhance clarity, consistency, and usability for stakeholders. This revised standard is the result of collaborative efforts of Technical Working Group (TWG) including representatives from the relevant government agencies, academe/research institution, private sector organizations, and Civil Society Organization (CSO). The TWG which revised the PNS was created through Special Order (SO) No. 1532, series of 2024 (Creation of Technical Working Group [TWG] for the Development of Additional Philippine National Standards [PNS] for Agricultural and Fishery Products, Machinery). This Standard includes the following significant changes compared to the previous version: a) Updating of Normative References and Terms and Definitions; b) Inclusion of General Principles of GAqP; c) Inclusion of clauses for Environmental Integrity & Sustainability and Animal Health & Welfare; and d) Updating of requirements per clause. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 iii This document cancels and replaces PNS/BAFS 135:2014 which has been technically revised. This document was drafted with the editorial rules of the BAFS- DA Standards Development Division Standardization Guide No.1: Writing the PNS. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 iv Table of Contents Foreword .................................................................................................................... ii 1 Scope................................................................................................................. 1 2 Normative References ....................................................................................... 1 3 Terms and Definitions ........................................................................................ 1 4 General Principles ............................................................................................. 3 4.1 Food safety ........................................................................................................ 3 4.2 Animal health and welfare .................................................................................. 3 4.3 Environmental integrity ...................................................................................... 3 4.4 Socio-economic aspects .................................................................................... 4 5 Site Selection ..................................................................................................... 4 5.1 Location ............................................................................................................. 4 5.2 Layout and design ............................................................................................. 4 6 Facilities, Sanitation, and Waste Management .................................................. 5 6.1 Facilities ............................................................................................................ 5 6.2 Sanitation ........................................................................................................... 5 6.3 Waste management ........................................................................................... 6 7 Personnel Health and Hygiene .......................................................................... 6 8 Farm Management ............................................................................................ 7 8.1 Farm preparation ............................................................................................... 7 8.2 Water management ........................................................................................... 7 8.3 Feeds and feeding ............................................................................................. 7 8.4 Harvesting, postharvesting, and transport ......................................................... 8 9 Animal Health and Welfare .............................................................................. 10 10 Environmental Integrity and Sustainability ....................................................... 12 11 Socio-Economic Aspects ................................................................................. 13 12 Traceability and Record Keeping ..................................................................... 13 Annex A .................................................................................................................. 15 Bibliography ............................................................................................................ 16 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 1 1 Scope This Code of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) covers practices that aim to prevent or minimize the risks associated with aquaculture production (i.e., mariculture, coastal aquaculture or brackish water culture, and freshwater culture). This Code covers the following aspects of aquaculture production namely: a) food safety, b) animal health and welfare, c) environmental integrity, and d) socio-economic. This Code applies to aquaculture facilities, such as, but not limited to, hatcheries, nurseries, fish cages, fish pens, fishponds, and seaweed and mollusks farms, which may be owned by individuals, corporations, and/or producer associations. This consists of compliance with technical and legal requirements. 2 Normative References The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all their contents constitute the requirements of this document. The latest edition of the referenced documents (including any amendments) applies. Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture (DA). (2022a). Establishment of traceability systems for cultured finfishes and crustaceans — Guidelines (PNS/BAFS 338:2022). https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine- national-standards/ BAFS-DA. (2022b). Veterinary drug residues in food — Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) (PNS/BAFS 48:2022). https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine-national- standards/ 3 Terms and Definitions For the purpose of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply: 3.1 animal health and welfare how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress (World Organization for Animal Health, 2016) https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine-national-standards/ https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine-national-standards/ https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine-national-standards/ https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine-national-standards/ PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 2 3.2 aquaculture facilities include permanent or semi-permanent systems or structures for breeding, treatment, and raising of organisms. Aquaculture facilities may exist both in marine waters, inland water environments, and as terrestrial production systems (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] of the United Nations [UN], n.d.) 3.3 biosecurity set of management and physical measures designed to reduce the risk of introduction, establishment, and spread of animal diseases, infections or infestations to, from, and within an animal population (World Organization for Animal Health [WOAH], 2018) 3.4 competent authority official government agency having jurisdiction (Codex Alimentarius Commission [CAC], 2006). Also refers to the bureau or agency mandated by law with responsibility and competence for ensuring and supervising the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, regulations, or standards (BAFS-DA, 2023) 3.5 feed any single or multiple edible plants or animal materials, whether processed, semi-processed or live and raw, which is intended to be fed directly to domesticated animals to meet the nutrient requirements in order to maintain life, promote growth, production and reproduction without any additional substance except water (BAFS-DA, 2015) 3.6 feed additives products used in animal nutrition to achieve an effect on the feed itself, on the animals, on food products obtained from the animals consuming the feed additive, or on the environment. For instance, feed additives are used to enhance flavor of feed, to meet the need for certain nutrients or to improve the growth performance and health of animals. They are used in feed for food-producing animals and in pet food (European Food Safety Authority [EFSA], n.d.) 3.7 food safety assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared or eaten according to its intended use (Republic of the Philippines, 2013) PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 3 3.8 land-based facilities includes the natural and man-made environmental features within which inland infrastructure is developed for the breeding and culture of aquatic organisms for food and economic purposes (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources [BFAR]-DA, 2012) 3.9 traceability ability to follow the movement of a food through specified stage(s) of production, processing and distribution. It facilitates knowledge regarding the identity, history and source of a product, or of material contained within a product. It also facilitates knowledge regarding the destination of a product, or any ingredients contained within it (CAC, 2006) 3.10 veterinary drugs any substance applied or administered to any food-producing animal, such as meat or milk-producing animals, poultry, fish, or bees, whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological functions or behavior (CAC, 2017) 4 General Principles 4.1 Food safety Aquaculture activities should be conducted in a manner that ensures food safety by implementing appropriate national or international food safety standards and regulations including those defined by Codex (ASEAN, 2022). 4.2 Animal health and welfare Aquaculture activities should be conducted in a manner that assures the health and welfare of farmed aquatic animals, by optimizing health through minimizing stress, reducing aquatic animal disease risks, and maintaining a healthy culture environment at all phases of the production cycle (ASEAN, 2022). 4.3 Environmental integrity Aquaculture should be planned and practiced in an environmentally responsible manner in accordance with applicable national and international rules and regulations. Ensuring environmental integrity requires that environmental impacts of planning, development, and operational practices for aquaculture are addressed (ASEAN, 2022). PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 4 4.4 Socio-economic aspects Aquaculture should be conducted in a socially responsible manner, within national rules and regulations, having regard to the International Labour Organization (ILO)-convention on labor rights not jeopardizing the livelihood of aquaculture workers and local communities. Aquaculture contributes to rural development, enhances benefits and equity in local communities, alleviates poverty, and promotes food security. As a result, socio-economic issues should be considered at all stages of aquaculture planning, development, and operation. The importance of corporate social responsibility from aquaculture to local communities should be recognized (ASEAN, 2022). 5 Site Selection 5.1 Location 5.1.1 Aquaculture facilities should be located in environmentally suitable and sustainable areas where the risk of contamination is minimized or where sources of pollution can be controlled or mitigated according to national law and regulations. 5.1.2 Proof of compliance with existing environmental regulations by the competent authority shall be available. 5.1.3 Proof of registration (e.g., license to operate, or business permit from the Local Government Unit [LGU], etc.) and ownership of the farm area (e.g., legal rights and its location map) shall be made available. 5.1.4 Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non- Coverage (CNC) should be made available prior to establishment of aquaculture facilities as prescribed by the national regulations. 5.2 Layout and design 5.2.1 Aquaculture facilities should be used primarily for aquaculture purposes only. Livestock and poultry production shall be done outside or separate from the farm’s aquaculture production units to avoid contamination risks. 5.2.2 Farm design and layout should prevent cross-contamination and damage to existing aquatic habitats. 5.2.3 Toilet facilities and septic system should be well installed and constructed to prevent contamination of farm facilities. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 5 5.2.4 Equipment, such as cages and nets, should be designed and constructed to ensure minimal physical damage to fish during growing and harvesting and to allow for adequate cleaning and disinfection. 5.2.5 Paraphernalia, equipment, and vehicles used for feed storage, seed production, and harvested aquatic organisms, should be designed and constructed to allow for adequate cleaning and disinfection. 5.2.6 Aquaculture facilities should integrate biosecurity measures to prevent cross contamination and disease outbreak. 5.2.7 Reservoir ponds and tanks for incoming water should be available to ensure sufficient water supply. 5.2.8 Settling ponds for effluent shall be available. 5.2.9 For land-based facilities in riparian areas, buffer zone shall be observed in accordance with existing regulations. For water-based facilities, buffer distance between cages and pens should be observed, if applicable. 6 Facilities, Sanitation, and Waste Management 6.1 Facilities 6.1.1 Disposal facilities for solid and liquid wastes should be in suitable and confined areas, and waste disposal shall be in compliance with existing regulations. 6.1.2 Fuel, chemical substances (e.g., sanitizer, fertilizer, and reagents), and veterinary drugs should be stored in a storage facility and separated according to manufacturer’s instructions and as specified on the label. 6.1.3 Regular repair and maintenance should be undertaken to preserve the good physical condition of the facility. 6.1.4 Infected or dead aquatic organism shall be collected immediately and disposed of properly through the establishment of a mortality pit and fish cemetery, among others. Temporary holding containers for dead fish prior to disposal should be provided. 6.1.5 There shall be a safe electrical system in the farm. 6.2 Sanitation 6.2.1 Aquaculture facilities, their surroundings, paraphernalia, and equipment shall be maintained in a clean, hygienic, and good condition to prevent contamination. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 6 6.2.2 Adequate procedures for cleaning and disinfection of containers, equipment, and aquaculture facilities should be in place and implemented. 6.2.3 Cleaning materials and disinfectants should be properly handled to prevent contamination or pose no environmental hazards. 6.2.4 Wild and domesticated animals should not be allowed in the production area or its vicinity to prevent contamination from fecal and other hazardous substances. However, they may be permitted under strict conditions, provided that measures are in place to prevent contamination. 6.3 Waste management Waste disposal should be conducted daily and responsibly in accordance with applicable waste management regulations. The aquaculture facility should take appropriate measures to: a) dispose of solid wastes in compliance to environmental laws; and b) immediately dispose of dead aquatic organism in a hygienic manner especially before and after disease outbreak. 7 Personnel Health and Hygiene 7.1 Workers should be trained on farm level hygienic practices to ensure awareness of their roles and responsibilities for protecting aquaculture products from contamination and deterioration throughout the production cycle. This includes the following protocol: 7.1.1 Training on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) should be conducted for the workers to ensure safer farm work conditions. 7.1.2 Workers should wear suitable and appropriate working clothes and protective gear. In areas and conditions where risk is high, protective gear shall be used. 7.1.3 Workers shall wash their hands each time before commencing work. 7.1.4 An adequate quantity of first aid kits should be available and easily accessible at the production area, and laborers should be able to demonstrate awareness of and apply various first aid measures. 7.1.5 Wounds should be covered with waterproof bandages and clean, waterproof gloves or boots. 7.1.6 Smoking, spitting, or drinking alcoholic beverages in the working and storage premises shall not be allowed. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 7 7.2 Workers should undergo an annual medical examination to ensure they are fit to work. 7.3 Workers who have shown signs of medical problems or conditions that may pose health risks shall be excluded from handling fishery products until deemed certified fit to resume work. 8 Farm Management 8.1 Farm preparation 8.1.1 Aquaculture facilities, production units in particular, and preparation practices should minimize risk for cross-contamination. 8.1.2 Prohibited chemicals or biological substances listed in Annex A (List of banned antimicrobials in food-producing animals) shall not be used in aquaculture facilities preparation. 8.1.3 Fertilizers, prebiotics, and probiotics should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction and/or recommendation of the competent authority. 8.1.4 Stocking density should be optimum to the species and to the culture system involved. 8.2 Water management 8.2.1 Water used for aquaculture should be properly filtered, settled, aerated, and maintained as suitable for the production of aquaculture species. 8.2.2 Farm operator should have measures in place to ensure that optimal water quality parameters (e.g., aeration support) are maintained. 8.2.3 Basic water quality parameters should conform with the existing standards set by the competent authority and be regularly monitored to ensure suitability and safety. The specific water quality requirements for each species are specified in the species-specific GAqP. 8.3 Feeds and feeding 8.3.1 Aquaculture operations should include procedures for avoiding feed contamination. 8.3.2 Commercial and imported formulated feeds shall be obtained from companies registered by the competent authority, in compliance with existing regulations and in conformity with established standards. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 8 8.3.3 Samples of commercial feeds should be inspected, monitored, and tested for aflatoxin and chloramphenicol by the competent authority. 8.3.4 Feed ingredients, additives, premixes, and compound feeding stuff should be obtained from a company registered and monitored by the competent authorities. 8.3.5 Feeds should be stored properly in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage, mold growth, and contamination. It should be organized to facilitate a first- in, first-out (FIFO) release and use. 8.3.6 Medicated and non-medicated feeds should be stored separately to minimize the risk of feeding to non-target animals. 8.3.7 Feed packaging should be properly labeled with the description of composition, storage conditions, manufacturing date, expiry date, feeding rate, and other necessary guidance in adequate language. 8.3.8 Aquaculture operations should include procedures to avoid contamination of feeds and animals. 8.3.9 Feeding practices should prioritize the maintenance of water and sediment quality to prevent nutrient overloading and minimize waste. 8.3.10 Non-commercial feeds such as but not limited to fresh, and frozen, farm- formulated feeds, and natural food should be of good quality and suitable for the species. 8.3.11 If non-pelleted feeds or fresh feeds (e.g., trash fish, chicken entrails, etc.) are used in the farm as fish feed, the protocol on the preparation and administration of such shall be provided. 8.3.12 Aquaculture operators should implement efficient feeding management by administering appropriate types of feed based on the culture system, the species and their life stage/s. 8.3.13 Transport of natural food should comply with the health certification from in- country trans-boundary movement requirements from the competent authority. 8.4 Harvesting, postharvesting, and transport 8.4.1 Harvesting and postharvesting 8.4.1.1 Harvesting and postharvesting equipment and paraphernalia should be cleaned, sanitized, and stored properly. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 9 8.4.1.2 Harvesting (total or selective) should be planned in advance and should be done during the cooler time of the day to avoid stress and mortality of the stocks 8.4.1.3 Harvested aquatic organism should be quickly and hygienically handled, using practices that do not cause contamination and physical damage and prolonged stress to the fish. 8.4.1.4 For products intended to be sold chilled or frozen, practices should ensure rapid and humane slaughtering of harvested aquatic organisms to minimize stress and preserve the quality of the product. 8.4.1.5 Water and ice used during harvesting should be of quality suitable for the production of food. 8.4.1.6 Postharvest operations should be carried out quickly, hygienically and without damage to the product. 8.4.1.7 Food additives and chemicals, which are used in contact with products, shall be in compliance with prevailing legal requirements. 8.4.1.8 Postharvest wastes should be collected in designated areas and disposed of properly to minimize risk of cross contamination. 8.4.1.9 For postharvest operations, clean and uncontaminated water should be available and used in sufficient amounts for handling and cleaning operations. 8.4.1.10 For postharvest operations, ice shall be sourced from approved establishment by the competent authority. For self-produced ice, the water to be used shall be potable. 8.4.1.11 For postharvest operations, ice should be received, handled and stored under good sanitary conditions, which minimize risks of contamination. 8.4.1.12 Harvested aquatic organisms should be properly chilled and maintained at a temperature range of 0°C to 4°C to preserve freshness, quality, and safety. 8.4.2 Transport 8.4.2.1 Fishery products should be transported in clean, sanitized, and well- maintained paraphernalia, with protocols to prevent contamination from environmental sources such as air, soil, water, oil, and chemicals. 8.4.2.2 Live aquatic organisms should be transported under conditions which recognize their welfare and do not adversely affect their quality. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 10 8.4.2.3 Aquatic organisms intended to be sold chilled for human consumption shall be transported in containers designed to maintain a consistent temperature of 0°C to 4°C throughout the entire transport period. 8.4.2.4 Containers used for transporting fishery products with ice should be designed to allow melted water to drain away from the product, ensuring optimal quality and hygiene. 8.4.2.5 All prohibited additives and chemicals shall not be used in contact with fishery products (chilled or frozen)/live organisms. 8.4.2.6 Local Transport Permit (LTP) accompanied by health certificate and laboratory result shall be secured from the issuing competent authority prior to transport. 9 Animal Health and Welfare 9.1 Aquatic organisms, wild-sourced or captive propagated by registered hatcheries, should be of good quality and clinically healthy, as confirmed through screening and testing by the competent authority and its recognized laboratories before stocking. 9.2 Aquaculture operators should formulate and implement biosecurity measures, in adherence to the recommended protocol of the competent authority, to prevent entry of disease into the farm and/or control its spread within the farm. 9.3 Aquaculture operators shall develop and implement an aquatic animal health plan especially to prevent known diseases, following the existing protocols of the competent authorities for the health and management of farmed aquatic organisms. 9.4 Aquaculture operators shall adhere to the risk-based animal health surveillance program, which includes both passive and active schemes conducted by the competent authority, to ensure effective monitoring and management of aquatic animal health. 9.5 A quarantine protocol should be established and implemented for the treatment and containment of diseased aquatic organisms. 9.6 Proper handling and disposal procedures for diseased aquatic organisms shall be implemented to ensure effective disease control and prevent the spread of pathogens. 9.7 Infected or aquatic organisms affected by a disease or dead aquatic organisms shall be collected immediately. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 11 9.8 Treatment and control of diseases with authorized veterinary drugs should be carried out only on the basis of a proper diagnosis. 9.9 Slaughtering of farmed aquatic organisms for disease control purposes should be authorized by the competent authority, and measures for the notification and control of diseases of aquatic animal origin should be effectively implemented. 9.10 All veterinary drugs and chemicals used in aquaculture shall be applied responsibly and in compliance with national regulations and, where applicable, international guidelines or agreements. Their use shall ensure animal health while safeguarding public safety and environmental protection. 9.11 Aquaculture operators shall follow the manufacturer’s instructions or guidance provided by competent authorities. 9.12 For farms administering chemicals, withdrawal periods shall be followed. Veterinary drug residues shall be within the limits set in the PNS/BAFS 48:2022 (Veterinary Drug Residues in Food — MRL). 9.13 Substances requiring prescription shall only be used under supervision by a qualified expert. Non-prescription substances should be used according to manufacturer’s instructions and as specified on the label. 9.14 Movement of aquatic animals and aquatic animal products should take place in accordance with existing national regulations to prevent the entry or transfer of diseases and infectious agents pathogenic to aquatic animals while avoiding unwarranted sanitary measures. 9.15 Aquaculture operators should maintain a suitable culture environment throughout the production cycle of the species being raised to promote aquatic animal welfare. 9.16 Aquaculture operators should develop and implement handling protocols during sampling, harvesting, quarantine, and disease treatment to promote aquatic animal welfare. 9.17 Use of species in polyculture or integrated multitrophic aquaculture should be carefully considered in order to reduce potential risk of disease transmission. 9.18 Aquaculture operators should have training for animal welfare on farmed aquatic animals. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 12 10 Environmental Integrity and Sustainability 10.1 Aquaculture activities shall be limited within the designated area for aquaculture use based on the approved zoning plan to ensure sustainable resource utilization and maintain the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. 10.2 Screens and barriers should be available to limit the incidence of escapee to the natural environment of cultured species. 10.3 Trapping devices should be installed in areas where potential escapees could happen to reduce the risk of such an event. 10.4 The use of lethal methods to eradicate predators, particularly those classified as vulnerable, threatened, or endangered under existing regulations. 10.5 The site of aquaculture facilities shall be evaluated and permitted based on its proximity to ecologically sensitive or protected areas such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and other biodiversity hotspots. The farm shall also adhere to zoning laws set by LGU. 10.6 Aquaculture operator shall participate or lead the rehabilitation of damaged natural surroundings caused by their aquaculture operations. 10.7 Effective mitigation measures should be taken if the current practices are damaging habitat/environment. 10.8 Regular monitoring of aquaculture facility environmental quality shall be carried out, and a Self-Monitoring Report (SMR) should be accomplished in accordance with existing regulations. 10.9 Measures should be adopted to promote efficient water management and use, as well as proper management to comply with existing regulations to reduce impacts on surrounding land, and water resources. 10.10 When wild-sourced stocks are used, they should be collected using responsible practices or in accordance with national laws and regulations where they exist. 10.11 Exotic species cultured in controlled conditions may only be used when the competent authority has conducted a risk assessment and determined that their introduction poses an acceptable level of risk to the natural environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. 10.12 Any exotic species shall be disposed of in a manner that prevents their release into the natural environment PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 13 10.13 Where genetic material of an aquatic organism is to be altered in a way that does not occur naturally, science-based risk assessment shall be done to address possible risks 10.14 Aquaculture workers and managers should be trained in environmental management and mitigation of impact to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities in protecting the environment. 10.15 Aquaculture operators shall manage pests using safe and responsible methods. Pesticides should only be used when necessary, following proper instructions to protect farm workers, farmed aquatic organisms, and the environment. 11 Socio-Economic Aspects 11.1 Workers should receive fair treatment, salaries, mandatory benefits, and incentives consistent with national rates and in accordance with existing laws, regulations, and any related agreements or arrangements between the employer and the workers. 11.2 Living quarters of stay-in labor should be safe, clean, good habitable condition and convenient. 11.3 Potable water in adequate supply and appropriate suitable toilet facilities should be available and properly maintained. 11.4 Aquaculture facility operations should observe the rights of host local communities minimizing potential adverse impacts on public land, infrastructures, fishing grounds, and water resources following existing laws and regulations. 11.5 Workers should not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, religion, culture, age, etc. 11.6 Harmonious, productive, and mutually beneficial relationships with the local community should be maintained to foster responsible business social responsibility. 11.7 Proactive anti-child labor policy should exist in the farm and shall be compliant with the existing regulation and other applicable regulations. 12 Traceability and Record Keeping For traceability purposes, the records specified in Annex A of PNS/BAFS 338:2022 (Establishment of traceability system for cultured finfishes and PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 14 crustaceans – Guidelines), among other relevant records, should be kept and maintained for at least 24 months. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 15 Annex A (Normative) List of banned antimicrobials in food-producing animals Regulations Title BFAR Administrative Circular No. 256, series of 2015 Declaring malachite green and gentian violet as health hazards and prohibiting their use in food fish production and trade DA Administrative Order (AO) No. 14, series of 2003 Ban on the use in food animals of beta-agonist drugs used in humans as bronchodilator and tocolytic agents Department of Health (DOH) and DA Joint AO No. 2, series of 2000 Declaring ban/phase out of the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals DOH AO No. 4-A and DA AO No. 1, series of 2000 Banning and withdrawal of olaquindox and carbadox from the market DOH AO No. 91 and DA AO No. 60, series of 2000 Declaring ban on the use of chloramphenicol in food-producing animals PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 135:2025 Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) – Code of Practice ICS 67.120.30 16 Bibliography Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN). (2022). ASEAN standard on ASEAN good aquaculture practices for food fish. https://asean.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/11/10.-ASEAN-Standard-on-ASEAN-Good- Aquaculture-Practices-for-Food-Fish-Adopted.pdf Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture (DA). (2022a). Establishment of traceability systems for cultured finfishes and crustaceans — Guidelines (PNS/BAFS 338:2022). https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved-philippine-national-standards/ Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture (DA). (2022b). Veterinary drug residues in food — Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) (PNS/BAFS 48:2022). https://bafs.da.gov.ph/index.php/approved- philippine-national-standards/ Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS)-Department of Agriculture (DA). (2023). 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Biosecurity. https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2018/en glossaire.htm#:~:text=biosecurity,and%20within%20an%20animal%20popul ation https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/23/republic-act-no-10611/ https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2016/en chapitre aw introduction.htm https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2016/en chapitre aw introduction.htm https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2016/en chapitre aw introduction.htm https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2018/en glossaire.htm#:~:text=biosecurity,and%20within%20an%20animal%20population https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2018/en glossaire.htm#:~:text=biosecurity,and%20within%20an%20animal%20population https://www.woah.org/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health standards/tahc/2018/en glossaire.htm#:~:text=biosecurity,and%20within%20an%20animal%20population Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) — Code of Practice Chairperson Huervana, Fredson University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Vice Chairperson Borbon, Divina Coloma, Gonzalo, Jr. Hechanova, Zaldy Leyson, Jonniel Loja, Joseph Adrian Patoc, Michelle Reyes, Francisco Somga, Sonia, DVM Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-DA Members 1 2 3 Calpe, Adelaida, PhD De Vera, Michelle Mero, Fedelia Flor Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)-Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11 12 Baay, Jerome Chingcuanco, Norberto Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Fisheries and Aquaculture (FA)-DA 4 Cruz, Alma Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)- DOST 13 Morales, Ernesto, PhD US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) 5 Eguia, Maria, Rowena, PhD De La Salle University (DLSU) 14 15 Amar, Mary Jane, PhD Sedanza, Mary Grace, PhD Asosasyon ng mga Propesyonal sa Pangisdaan ng Pilipinas (APPP), Inc. 6 7 8 9 10 Aya, Frolan, PhD Dela Cruz, Marwin Espino, Marinelle Somblingo, Edgar Ursua, Shelah Mae, PhD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) 16 17 18 Quinitio, Gerald, PhD Hurtado, Anicia, PhD Ramos, Junemie Hazel, PhD Integrated Services for the Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries (ISDA), Inc. BAFS Management Team Adviser Lanuza, Alpha, DVM Hernandez, Gari Pellinor, DVM Baraquiel, Camille, RFP David, Mikaella Marie, PFT Mandigma, Mary Grace, PFT DA-BAFS BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines T/ (632) 928-8741 to 64 loc. 3301-3319 E-mail: bafs@da.gov.ph Website: www.bafs.da.gov.ph BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS