5.10.2.  Conversion to Organic Aquaculture

General Principles

The total production in each farming unit or under each operator’s control should be converted to organic aquaculture over a specified period of time. Aquaculture production methods can vary widely according to biology of the organisms, technology used, geographical conditions, ownership structure, time span etc. These aspects need to be considered when determining the length of conversion. If a production unit is not converted all at once, part of the aquaculture unit may be converted and certified, as long as organically managed stock can be clearly defined and a designated area is set aside for organic production only.

Independent sections of the production unit should be converted in such a way that these standards are completely met on each section before it is certified as organic.

There should be a clear plan of how to proceed with the conversion. This plan shall be updated as necessary and should cover all aspects relevant to these standards.

5.10.2.1 The operation must comply with basic organic standards throughout the conversion period. Calculation of the conversion period may not start before the date of the last non-complying input or practice.

5.10.2.2 Where the entire production is not converted the following is required:

-  physical separation between conventional and organic pro¬duction units.
-  organic production can be inspected with respect to water quality, feed, medication, input factors or any other relevant sections of these standards.- adequate documentation including financial accounting is available for both production systems.
-  converted units are not switched between organic and con¬ventional management.

5.10.2.3 The length of the conversion period shall be 12 months or at least one life cycle of the organism in question, and will take into account, life cycle and species, environmental factors, and past use of the site with respect to waste, sediments and water quality.

5.10.2.4 Organisms shall be raised organically from birth. Organisms of conventional origin may be brought-in if organic stock is not available provided they are not genetically engineered. Brought in organisms shall meet the following conversion periods:

- 12 months in the case of 3 year old fish for meat production or at least three quarters of their lifetime
- 6 months in the case of small fish under 2 years
- Ten weeks for the production of pansize brought in before they are 20grams of weight
- 12 months in the case of caviar production

5.10.2.5 No conversion period is required in the case of:
- Open collecting areas for wild, sedentary organisms where the water is free-flowing and not directly or indirectly contaminated by substances prohibited in these standards and:
- Where the collecting area can be inspected with respect to water quality, feed, medication, input factors or any other relevant sections of these standards and all requirements are met.