5.10.1.  Scope

Aquaculture includes the farming of many different species using diverse forms of production in fresh-, brackish- and saltwater.
This standard covers aquatic plants and fish carnivorous, omnivorous and herbivorous organisms of all types and at all stages of growth, grown in any form of enclosure such as earthen ponds, tanks and cages (open and closed systems). Wild, stationary organisms in open collecting areas can be certified as organic. Organisms that are moving freely in open waters, and/or that are not capable of inspection according to general procedures for organic production, are not covered by these standards.

Wild, sedentary organisms in open collecting areas may be able to be certified as organic, refer to section 5.10.5 Location of Collecting areas.  

Organic aquaculture is based on:

- high quality water entering the system, and
- sound management practices, and
- the use of appropriate stocking rates, and
- consideration of stock welfare, and
- the use of approved inputs.

Operators shall comply with all relevant general requirements of section 4 and 5 and Aquatic ecosystems shall be managed to comply with relevant requirements of the introduction section of this standard.
Aquatic plant production shall comply with the relevant requirements of the introduction section and section 4 of this standard.