WWF releases Salmon Dialogue Draft Principles
The World Wildlife Fund today announced a set of "Draft principles that address the key negative impacts associated with salmon aquaculture" that are being created through the Salmon Dialogue. "The principles will provide the framework for the criteria, indicators and standards for responsible salmon farming. The criteria will aim to provide direction on how to reduce each impact and the indicators will address how to measure the extent of each impact. Standards will be quantitative performance levels that evaluate whether a principle is achieved". At first glance these principles seem fair and reasonable, although they certainly can be interpreted in many different ways. As usual, the "devil will be in the details", but for now, the salmon farming industry is well served to continue its active participation in the Salmon Aquaculture Dialogue process.
Everyone is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft principles. Comments and suggestions will be reviewed by the Salmon Aquaculture Steering Committee and used in the process of revising and developing final principles. At the close of the public comment period (October 15, 2008), comments will be posted with attribution on the WWF website, which states:
"Draft principles for environmentally, socially, and economically responsible salmon farming
The principles serve as a platform to minimize the social and environmental impacts of salmon aquaculture while permitting the salmon farming industry to remain economically viable. These principles, along with the corresponding criteria, indicators and standards which are in development, are applicable at the farm level. Achieving the suite of principles to standards will entail farms having a high level of transparency and regular monitoring of a number of key indicators*.
Although these are farm-level standards, they are intended to help protect and maintain ecosystem function and ecosystem services in salmon producing areas, with the recognition that aquaculture operations are not solely responsible for total ecosystem health. The standards are intended to be revisited and updated periodically (e.g. every 3 years) to ensure that the standards are based on best available scientific knowledge and management practices and to encourage continuous improvement.
Draft Principles:
1. Obey all applicable international and national laws, and comply with local regulations.
2. Conserve natural habitat and local biodiversity
3. Protect the health and genetic integrity of wild populations.
4. Use resources in an environmentally efficient and responsible manner.
5. Manage disease and parasites in an environmentally responsible manner.
6. Develop and operate farms in a socially responsible manner.
7. Be a good neighbor and conscientious citizen.
* Ultimately, an audit guidance document will be developed for the standards".
