How to Conduct an Environmental Risk Assessment Under ASC Farm Standard

What Is an Environmental Risk Assessment?

The ASC Farm Standard Interpretation Manual defines an Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) as a structured evaluation of environmental risks resulting from operational activities in the vicinity of an aquaculture site. According to Indicator 2.1.1, every aquaculture unit of certification (UoC) must conduct an ERA per site, following the method outlined in Appendix 3.1 of the ASC Farm Standard.

The ERA serves a critical function in the certification process. Its outcome determines compliance with multiple environmental criteria, particularly those covering Ecologically Important Habitats (Criterion 2.2) and Wildlife Interactions (Criterion 2.3). Essentially, the ERA identifies what environmental risks exist at or near the farm and what level of risk they represent—information that guides subsequent management decisions and compliance activities.

What Environmental Risks Does the Assessment Cover?

The ASC Farm Standard Interpretation Manual indicates that a default set of environmental risks are listed in Appendix 3.1. While the manual does not enumerate these risks in detail in the sections provided, it states that Appendix 3.3 outlines risk factors that shall be considered as a minimum when conducting the ERA. These include assessment of sensitive habitats in the vicinity of the site.

The ERA uses risk assessment methodology to determine whether identified environmental issues pose a low, medium, or high risk to the site and its surroundings. This risk classification then determines what actions the farm must take. According to the manual's guidance, actions are required to reduce risks classified as 'medium' or 'high' to a lower level.

Who Can Conduct the Assessment?

Indicator 2.1.2 establishes different competency requirements depending on farm size and complexity. For small-scale or extensive aquaculture sites, the ERA does not require an independent external person; however, personnel conducting the assessment must demonstrate relevant competence.

The manual specifies that personnel conducting ERAs at small-scale or extensive sites should be able to:

• Analyse environmental risks
• Conduct data analysis
• Record, review and authorise the release of results
• Contribute to or produce reports that clearly and concisely follow the method outlined in Appendix 3.1
• Have undergone training, or have experience, relating to ERAs

For larger, more complex sites, the standard is stricter. An independent person must conduct the ERA. This person must have:

• An academic background in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or an equivalent field of study
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting ERA, including survey design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation

Additionally, where legal requirements define specific qualifications for conducting ERAs, the UoC must ensure the person conducting the assessment complies with those requirements.

What Documentation Is Required?

The ASC Farm Standard Interpretation Manual requires farms to maintain specific evidence of their ERA work. According to the guidance on Indicator 2.1.1, farms must maintain:

• An ERA conducted following the method outlined in Appendix 3.1
• Records demonstrating that actions are taken to reduce risks with risk level 'medium' or 'high'

For farms with larger or more complex operations, additional documentation is necessary. Farms must present documents outlining the qualifications and experience of the independent person conducting the ERA, demonstrating they meet the academic and professional experience requirements.

How Is Competence Demonstrated?

The manual emphasises that auditors will use discretion when determining whether the experience, competencies and qualifications of the person conducting the ERA are suitable for the size of the site. To support this assessment, farms should compile documents showing:

• Evidence of relevant training or experience in environmental risk assessment
• Academic qualifications in relevant fields (for larger sites)
• Professional experience in survey design, data collection, and analysis (for larger sites)
• Understanding of the specific environmental context and risks of the site's location

What Happens After the Assessment?

Once an ERA is completed, it becomes the foundation for multiple compliance decisions. The manual explains that the ERA outcome is used to determine compliance and impacts on Ecologically Important Habitats and Wildlife Interactions. If the assessment identifies critical habitats within the site's boundaries, the farm must preserve them (Indicator 2.2.3). If sensitive habitats are identified nearby, the farm must ensure the site has a low risk of negative impact on those habitats (Indicator 2.2.4).

The ERA may also identify the need for specific physical features. For land-based systems, the assessment determines whether wildlife corridors exist within the site and whether they require maintenance. It also determines the required width of riparian zones (minimum 15 metres, or greater if the ERA specifies) and coastal barriers (minimum 100 metres, or greater if determined by the ERA).

Audit Verification

During certification audits, auditors will confirm that:

• The UoC has presented the ERA, conducted in accordance with the method in Appendix 3.1
• Evidence and documents have been presented demonstrating the person conducting the ERA has necessary experience, competencies and qualifications
• Whether there are critical habitats in the vicinity of the site, evidence has been provided in the ERA that the risk of negative impacts is minimal
• Any actions required to address medium or high risk levels have been documented and implemented

This article summarises ASC-INT-001-ASC-Farm-Standard-Interpretation-Manual-V1.0.1-September-2025.pdf. Refer to the original document for the authoritative text and full requirements.