BREED

• Foundation and replacement stock should be raised organically.
• Ideally foundation and replacement stock should be raised organically.  If organic stock are not available then wild harvested stock may be brought in.
• If organic and wild harvested stock are not available then conventional stock may be brought in subject to BioGro’s written approval, and must be in the  organic system for at least two thirds of their life span.
• Breeds that are adapted to the local conditions must be chosen.
• Polyploid and genetically engineered breeds are not allowed.

FEED

• Manufactured feed must contain a minimum of 95% wild fish and/or certified organic ingredients.
• Non-organic aquatic animal protein and oil (eg fish meals and fish oils) may be used provided they are harvested from independently verified sustainable sources, verified to have heavy metal levels within permitted levels and do not constitute 100% of the diet.
• At least 20% of the diet must be certified organic. By 2012 at least 50% of the diet must be certified organic.
• At least 50% of the protein originating from marine wild fish must come from cut-off waste.   
• Meal made from whole fish must come from sustainably managed fisheries.   
• Waste from the species being fed must not be used in the feed.
• Fishmeal must not contain unacceptable levels of heavy metals, pesticide residues or other materials prohibited.
• Minerals, trace elements and vitamins from natural origin may be used as feed supplements provided they are applied in their natural composition.
• Fodder preservatives originating from bacteria, fungi and plant-based products, such as enzymes.

Prohibited feed / substances added to feed:

• All types of excrement including droppings, dung, or other manure
• Feed subjected to extraction by prohibited solvent (eg hexane) or the addition of prohibited chemical agents
• Preservatives
• Urea and other synthetic nitrogen compounds
• Synthetic growth-regulating agents, antibiotics, synthetic antioxidants, synthetic appetite stimulants, pure amino acids, and synthetic colouring agents
• Carophyl pink or carophyl red

HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE

• Dead fish must be removed every day.
• If veterinary drugs are used, treated fish must be quarantined and must not be sold as BioGro certified. 
• If veterinary drugs are used, treated fish must be quarantined and must not be sold as BioGro certified.
• The use of malachite green or formalin is not permitted as fungal treatment of eggs.
• Vaccinations are allowed.
• Use of genetically modified organisms and their derivatives, and use of genetic engineering is explicitly prohibited.
• All synthetic fertilisers and pesticides are prohibited.
• Prophylactic use of veterinary drugs is prohibited.
• Chemical allopathic veterinary drugs and antibiotics are prohibited for invertebrates.

Organic aquaculture must have:   

• High quality water entering the system
• Sound management practices
• Appropriate stocking rates
• Consideration of fish welfare
• Inputs which are approved by BioGro