FAO Guidelines for Ecolabelling in Wild-Capture Fisheries - SEAFOOD Ecolabelling: Principles and Practice - page 73

system with its supporting aquaculture production system (see also
30b).

29.8 In the case of enhanced fisheries, the fishery management system

should take due regard of the natural production and other compo-
nents of the aquatic ecosystem.

'Stocks under consideration'
30a. Requirement: The 'stock under consideration' is not overfished, and is main-

tained at a level which promotes the objective of optimal utilization and main-
tains its availability for present and future generations, taking into account that
longer term changes in productivity can occur due to natural variability and/or
impacts other than fishing. In the event that biomass drops well below such
target levels, management measures (Code of Conduct Article 7.6), includ-
ing measures to favourably enhance the environment , should allow for
restoration within reasonable time frames of the stocks to such levels. This
requirement also pertains to species introductions or translocations that
have occurred historically or in accordance with international guidelines,
which become established as part of the natural ecosystem.

30b. In case of enhanced and culture-based fisheries, the cultured component

of the 'stock under consideration' is managed and developed according
to relevant provisions of Article 9 of the Code of Conduct for Responsi-
ble Fisheries, especially in relation to the protection of the environment,
the conservation of genetic diversity, disease control, and quality
(fitness for survival) of stocking material, and managed to achieve op-
timal production.

30c. In the case of enhanced fisheries, natural production components of the

'stock under consideration' is managed in accordance with Article 7 of
the Code of Conduct and maintained at a level that promotes the objective
of optimal utilization.

Ecosystem considerations
31. Requirement: Adverse impacts of the fishery and any associated culture and

enhancement activity on the ecosystem should be appropriately assessed
and effectively addressed. Enhanced and culture-based fisheries will be
managed to ensure biodiversity of aquatic habitats and ecosystems are
conserved and endangered species protected . Significant scientific uncer-
tainty is to be expected in assessing possible adverse ecosystem impacts of
fisheries, including culture and enhancement activities . This issue can be
addressed by taking a 'risk assessment/risk management approach'. For the
purpose of development of ecolabelling schemes, the most probable adverse
impacts should be considered, taking into account available scientific informa-
tion, and local knowledge provided that its [their] validity can be objectively
verified. Those impacts that are likely to have serious consequences should be
addressed. This may take the form of an immediate management response or
further analysis of the identified risk. In this context, full recognition should be
given to the special circumstances and requirements in developing countries