DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS DARS  1106  
First Edition  
2023 -mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
DUS DARS  1106 : 2023 
© UNBS 2023  
   
Tilapia farming  — Good aquaculture practices  
 
 DUS DARS 1106 : 2023  
ii                © UNBS  2023  - All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda  Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2023 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda  National Bureau of Standards  
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Uganda  
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 DUS DARS 1106 : 2023  
© UNBS  2023  - All rights reserved                 iii National foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member o f International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Ugand a Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical Committee 
is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of key stakeholders including 
government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other int erested parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration a s Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
This Draft Uganda Standard, DUS DARS  1106 :2023 , Tilapia farming  — Good aquaculture practices , is identical 
with and has been reproduced from a  Draft  African  Standard,  DARS 1106 :2023 , Tilapia farming  — Good 
aquaculture practices , and is being proposed for adoption as a Uganda Standard.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/ TC 211, Fish and fishery products . 
Wherever the words, “ African  Standard " appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard."   
AFRICAN 
STANDARD  DARS  
1106(E)  
Edition 202 3 
 
 Reference No. DARS 1106 :2023(E) 
ICS 65.150  
 
 
© ARSO 20 23 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tilapia  farming— Good aquacultur e practices  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  1  
Table of contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  5 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  5 
4 Prerequisite requirements for tilapia farms  ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
4.1 Farm -site ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  6 
4.2 General requirements for farm sites  ................................ ................................ ......................  6 
4.3 Pond culture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  7 
4.4 Cage culture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
4.5 Stocking density in cages and ponds  ................................ ................................ ..................  13 
5 Inputs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  13 
5.1 Seed  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13 
5.2 Feeds  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 14 
5.3 Fish feeding  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  15 
6 Fish health management  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  16 
6.1 Preventing diseases through good management  ................................ ................................  16 
6.2 Biosecurity measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  17 
7 Farm sanitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  18 
8 Harvest and post -harvest practices  ................................ ................................ ..............................  19 
9 Escapes from aquaculture facilities  ................................ ................................ ..............................  21 
10 Common chemicals and their use on the fish farm  ................................ ................................ ...... 21 
11 Social responsibility  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  21 
12 Recordkeeping  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  21 
Annex A (normative)  Criteria for inspection audits  ................................ ................................ ..............  22 
Annex B (normative)  Veterinary drug residue and chemicals  ................................ ..............................  30 
Annex C (informative)  Criteria for the effluent from freshwater aquatic animal aquaculture farm  ....... 33 
Annex D (informative)  Registration requirements  ................................ ................................ ................  34 
Annex E (informative)  Water quality parameters  ................................ ................................ .................  35 
Acknowledgment and appreciation  ................................ .........................  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  2 
 Foreword  
 
The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) is an African intergovernmental organization 
established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of 
African Unity (AU) in 1977. One of the fundamental mandates of  ARSO is to develop and harmonize 
African Standards (ARS) for the purpose of enhancing Africa’s internal trading capacity, increase 
Africa’s product and service competitiveness globally and uplift the welfare of African communities. The 
work of preparing A frican Standards is normally carried out through ARSO technical committees. Each 
Member State interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the 
right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, Regio nal Economic Communities 
(RECs), governmental and non -governmental organizations, in liaison with ARSO, also take part in the 
work.  
 
ARSO Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.  
 
The main task of techni cal committees is to prepare ARSO Standards. Draft ARSO Standards adopted 
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an ARSO 
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.  
 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of 
patent rights. ARSO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 
 
This African Standard was prepared by the ARSO Technica l Harmonization Committee on Agriculture 
and Food Products  (ARSO/THC 02).  
 
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 22 — All rights reserved* 
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
  
                                                 
* © 201 8 ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  3 Copyright notice  
 
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior permission 
from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, sto red or 
transmitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permission from ARSO.  
 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in the country of  the requester:  
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation 2022  — All rights reserved  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
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Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators may be prosecuted.  
 
 
 
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  4 
 Introduction  
 
Good Aquaculture (or Good Fish Farming) Practices are those practices of the aquaculture sector that 
are necessary to produce safe and quality food products conforming to food laws and regulations.  
 
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  5  
Tilapia  farming— Good aquacultur e practices  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This African Standard applies to good aquacultur e practices  (GAP) for Tilapia in pond, tanks and cage 
farming including harvesting and post -harvest handling in order to produce tilapia fish of good quality 
and safe for consumption. This standard does not cover  hatchery  and nursery.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The fol lowing referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
 
CAC/RCP 52 , Code of practice for fish and fishery products  
 
ISO 10523 Water Quality -Determination of pH  
 
ISO 11923 – Water Quality: Determination of suspended  solids by filtration through glass fibre filters  
 
ISO 15681 -2 Water  Quality - Determination of orthophosphate and total phosphorus contents by flow 
analysis (FIA and cfa) -pt 2 Method of continuous flow analysis (CFA)  
 
ISO 5664 - Water  Quality:  Determination of ammonia  
 
ISO 1173 -2 Determination  of ammonia nitrogen  Method by flow analyzers and spectrometric detection  
 
ISO 5815 -1 Water  Quality -Determination of Biochemical oxygen demand after n -days (BODn)  
 
ISO 17289  - Determination of dissolved oxygen  
 
ISO 9297  Water quality — Determination of chloride  
 
3 Terms and d efinitions  
 
For the purpose s of this standard , the following terms and definition s apply . 
 
3.1 
biosecurity  
measures designed to protect a population from transmissible infectious diseases  
 
3.2 
chemical  
any substance either natural or synthetic which can affect the live fish, its pathogens, and the water, 
equipment used for production or the land within the aquaculture establishment  
 
3.3 
cage  
enclosure which is either stationary or floating, made up of n ets, or screen sewn or fastened together 
and installed in the water with opening at the surface or covered and held in a place by a 
wooden/bamboo posts or various types of anchors and floats  
AFRICAN STANDARD  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  6 
  
3.4 
diseased fish  
fish in which pathological changes or other a bnormalities that affect safety and quality are apparent  
 
3.5  
fallowing  
practice of leaving ponds empty of fish for a period of time  
 
3.6 
feed additives  
chemicals other than nutrients for fish which are approved for addition to their feed  
 
3.7 
fish farm  
aquaculture production unit (either land -or water based); usually consisting of holding facilities (tanks, 
ponds, cages), plant (buildings, storage, processing), service equipment and stock  
 
3.8 
tilapia  
fish that is classified in the genus of Oreochromis  
 
3.9 
veterinary drug  
any substance applied or administered to any food -producing animal, whether used for therapeutic, 
prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological functions or behaviour  
 
3.10 
stocking density  
amou nt of fish stocked per unit area or volume  
 
3.11 
withdrawal time  
period of time necessary between the last administration of a veterinary drug to fish or exposure to a 
veterinary drug . 
 
4 Prerequisite requirements for tilapia farms  
 
4.1 Farm -site 
 
4.1.1  Tilapia farms shall be located away from potential sources of contaminants (physical, biological 
or chemical) to reduce the risk of contamination.   
 
4.1.2  The soils shall be impervious to water to avoid the ingress of possible pollutants.  
 
4.1.3  Before bui lding a land -based aquaculture facility, intensive and semi -intensive farmers are 
required to survey and carry out sample analysis of the soil , water source to determine the concentration 
of contaminants  to ensure  safety of the live fish and consumers ,. 
 
4.1.4 For intensive aquaculture production purposes, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 
study shall be carried out in accordance with the conditions set by the relevant  competent  authority. 
Cage fish farmers shall conduct site suitability and capability studies to guide suitable sites.  
4.1.5 The farm shall be located in an accessible area  
 
4.2 General requirements for farm sites  
 
The following items shall be provided or documente d by the producer prior  to establishment or during 
operationalisation.  
 
a) size of  the farm site and water surface area of production (hectares).  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  7  
b) key central points of farm location.  
 
c) schematic drawing of the farm to identify specific locations of all wate r inlets and outfalls or 
where aquaculture establishment are situated.  
 
d) Changes to the size of the aquaculture operation.  
 
e) If available, satellite imagery to confirm farm schematic.  
 
f) the receiving source  of water whether estuary, river, stream, lake, reservoir or no receiving 
water (when no discharge exists at farm site).  
 
g) The tilapia farm registration certificates in place .  
h) Description of the major activities (beyond your operation) impinging on the receiving 
watershed.  
 
i) Environmental Impact Assessment(s) reports in place.   
j) Any other information regarding the receiving waters and any effect of farm activities .  
 
 
4.3 Pond culture  
 
Pond culture shall be located where it is convenient, in terms of ;  
a) receiving seeds;  
b)  delivery of inputs and feeds;  
c) harvesting procedure  
d) managing and planning other operations for  culture and compliance.  
e) . 
 
Good ponds shall be well constructed, easy to maintain and efficient in allowing good water and fish 
management.  
 
4.3.2  A pond fish farm shall not block access to public areas, common land, Fishing grounds or 
traditional natural resources used by local communities.  
 
4.3.3  A farm -site shall be located in an area where the supply for the clean, suitable and sufficient 
volume  of water with a pH 6.5 to 8.0 and dissolved oxygen of not less than 4 mg/l can be obtained.  
 
4.3.4   
 
The farm -site shall not be located in areas prone to flooding  in order to avoid damage to the structure 
and prevent inflow of contaminants to the farm.  
 
Land -based farms shall follow water quality criteria.  
 
Pond water contains two major groups of substances:  
a) dissolved substances made of gases, minerals and organic compounds; and  
 
b) suspended particles made of non -living particles and very small plants (phytoplankton) and 
animals (zooplankton).  
 
The composition of pond water changes continuously, depending on climatic and seasonal changes, 
and how a pond is used.   
 
The criteria in Table 1  are made for the maintenance of good water quality . 
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  8 
 Table 1 — Criteria for pond water quality  
S/N Parameter  Standard unit  Reference Test 
Methods  Remarks  
i) pH  
 6.5 – 8.0 ISO 10523  
Water Quality -
Determination of pH  
 
 
 When the pH of water is 
consistently low that is,  acidic 
conditions (water tests sour, 
prevents phytoplankton 
growth despite fertilization, 
etc.) the pond shall be limed 
(using agricultural lime) to 
bring to the desirable pH level 
of 6.5 – 8.0. 
ii) Total suspended solids 
(mg/L)  
 100 max.  ISO 11923 – Water 
Quality: Determination 
of suspeneded solids 
by filtration through 
glass fibre filters  Maintain pond water at green 
colour (too deep green colour 
shall be avoided ). 
Prevent run -off water (which 
may contain si lt, clay or sand 
which clog gills and cause  
anoxia ), or pollution from 
entering the pond by 
construction of proper 
drainage channels across 
flow of water. Also install 
sand -gravel filters or siltation 
tanks along supply channel.  
iii) Soluble phosphorus 
(mg/L)  0.5 max ISO 15681 -2 
Water Quality - 
Determination of 
orthophosphate and 
total phosphorus 
contents by flow 
analysis (FIA and cfa) -
pt 2 Method of 
continuous flow 
analysis (CFA)  
  
iv) Total ammonia nitrogen 
(mg/L)  
 5 max ISO 5664 -  
Water Quality : 
Determination of 
ammonia  
 
ISO 1173 -2 
Determination of 
ammonia nitrogen  
Method by flow 
analyzers and 
spectrometric 
detection  Prevent toxic pollutants from 
entering your pond by proper 
site selection. Locate ponds 
away from industrial centres, 
oil fields and chemically 
treated agricultural fiel ds. 
v) 5-day biochemical oxygen 
demand (mg/L)  50 max ISO 5815 -1 
Water Quality -
Determination of 
Biochemical oxygen 
demand after n -days 
(BODn)  
 Maintain water depth at 1 – 
1.5 m.  
vi) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L)  
 4 min ISO 17289  Avoid or watch out for cause 
of low dissolved oxygen 
(excessive fertilization of DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  9 S/N Parameter  Standard unit  Reference Test 
Methods  Remarks  
ponds and heavy plankton 
blooms, excessive 
feeding/high feeding rates, 
overcrowding/very high 
stocking densities and 
extended periods of cloudy 
weather).  
Symptoms include when  fish 
come up to the water surface 
to gulp for air, when the water 
has offensive colour, and 
presence of scum over 
surface water.  
If symptoms of low dissolved 
oxygen are detected, take 
immediate action ( that is,  stop 
fertilization, decrease feeding 
rate, renew water completely 
or replace with fresh 
oxygenated water, etc.)  
vii) Chloride discharge into 
freshwater (mg/L)  800 ISO 9297   
 
4.3.5  The drain system for the pond shall be properly designed to prevent cont amination among the 
ponds inside the farm. In addition, this facilitates better farm management as well as cost -effective for 
energy consumption and expenses for pumping water in or out of the farm.  
 
4.3.6  Farms shall have access to basic utilities such as  electricity supply for water pumping and 
aeration.  
 
4.3.7  Requirements for construction of commercial grow -out ponds include the following:  
 
a) the pond levees shall be well compacted with a slope of at least 2:1. The greater the degree of 
compaction, the st ronger the levees hence during construction, one shall lay down about 15 cm 
of soil which, when compacted will become about 10 cm high;  
 
b) there shall be no stumps or debris left within the pond levees;  
 
c) soil shall be compacted shortly after it is laid to p revent hardening (some soils become rock -
like if they are allowed to harden);  
 
d) the pond bottom shall be firm, without pot -holes and gently sloped (1 % to 2 %) from the inlet 
to outlet;  
 
e) average water depth in a pond shall be 1 m (0.8 m at the shallow end t o 1.2 m at the deep end) 
for ponds without aeration;  
 
f) inlet pipe at least 20 cm above the pond water level and screened with a properly fitted sock;  
 
g) outlet pipe fitted with anti -seep collar and screened correctly with cone mesh;  
 
h) freeboard of about 30 cm to 50 cm depending on the size of the pond and its levees planted 
with grass are recommended;  
 
i) having a harvest basin is highly recommended especially in breeding ponds;  
 
j) the pond shall be able to drain completely;  
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  10 
 k) preferably, the pond shall be rectangular in shape;  
 
l) it is also common among fish farmers to let the bottom of the pond dry out before the new fish 
arrives in order to kill off any fry and fingerlings that might otherwise interfere with the new 
production cycle;  
 
m) warm up the water duri ng the cold season to avoid decline in production . Recommend ed water 
temperature shall be   28 ºC - 30 ºC;  
 
n) death occurs when  temperature  drops below 10 ºC depending on tilapia species  and 
temperature s below 13 ºC are harmful to  the  immune system of the fish. 
 
4.3.8  The requirements below shall be followed  to prepare ponds for stocking:  
 
a) remove excess bottom mud and dry bottom of pond in order to kill off any fry and fingerlings 
that might otherwise interfere with the new production cycle;  
 
b) ensure that the pond is not leaking and is deep enough;  
 
c) undertake the necessary repairs;  
 
d) screen the inlet and outlet to ensure that no live fish is left in the pond;  
 
e) treat the bottom of the pond with lime for pond s that cannot drain completely to kill parasites  
and cysts ; 
 
f) fill the pond with water and maintain water depth at 1 m - 1.5 m;  
 
g) maintain pond record sheets with the details of any management treatments; and  
 
h) check pond water quality before stocking as indicated in Table 1.  
 
4.4 Cage culture  
 
The on -grow ing and production of farmed aquatic organisms in caged enclosures has been a relatively 
recent aquaculture innovation. The perceived current issues and challenges to cage culture 
development, and in particular the need to minimize the potential environmen tal and ecosystem impacts 
are pivotal. The fundamental issues of cage culture are; discharge of untreated wastes, mass escapes, 
diseases and parasites (which can spread to wild populations), the use of toxic chemicals and fish feed, 
care of other water use rs such as water abstraction points, navigation channels, fishing grounds  
 
4.4.1  Requirements given in the subsequent clauses for cage culture are key to establishment of 
cages carried out in public rivers/ open water bodies.  
 
4.4.2  All cage farm s shall be  registered with the relevant Competent Authority.  
 
4.4.3  The applicant or cage fish farmer shall submit a plan of the establishment as required by the 
relevant competent authority and shall in addition provide the following information:  
 
a) the names and address of the establishment and managers;  
 
b) the waste discharge plan including measures for treatment of farm effluents into the 
surroundings;  
 
c) steps for  screening to avoid farmed fish escapees;  
 
d) evidence of cooperation of the communities near the site (l and free of encumbrances);  
 
e) certificate of incorporation and registration of business;  
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  11 f) registration with local government/trading licence ; 
 
g) water use permit; and  
 
h) Environmental Impact Assessment.  
 
4.4.4  Farmers shall identify the evidence on the rights to  use water  body , possession, or legal water  
rental by law.  
 
4.4.5  Cage -site shall be located in the area where the supply of clean, suitable and sufficient volume 
of water with a pH 6.5 to 8.0 and dissolved oxygen of not less than 4 mg/l can be obtained.  
 
4.4.6  Cage -site shall be located away from any pollution source. In case that the cage site is subject 
to tidal current s or located in upstream/downstream area, the farmer shall ensure that the cage -site will 
not be affected by pollution sources. For inst ance, information on pesticide contamination in the water 
outflow from the other agricultural activities located at upstream shall be obtained; and Biological 
Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis is required if there is any 
factory  located in the upstream.  
 
4.4.7  Cage -site shall be located in the area of good accessibilities (that is, road, river, canal, etc.) 
This will be convenient for receiving seeds, feeds, and other inputs. This is essential for cost -effective 
management and ma rketing throughout the farm’s production processes. Availability of these networks 
help maintain the freshness of the tilapia for longer when delivering the product to the market and 
processing plants. It may also be convenient for visitors/inspectors to v isit the farm readily.  
 
4.4.8  Availability of basic utilities is an important factor for smooth operation and management. It 
includes power supply for water pumping and aeration and clean water for farm’s employee 
consumption.  
 
4.4.9  The placement of the c age in a water system shall be such that it does not obstruct the flow of 
water or the navigation of water vessels such as boats. It shall also be in a place that facilitates adequate 
aeration for best growth of the fish with minimal disturbances from aqua tic plants.  
 
4.4.10  Unless approved by the  Competent Authority,  cage culture development shall be prohibited as 
given in Table 2 and in the following areas:  
 
a) areas of military or security interest or activities;  
 
b) published anchorages (where ships and boats  anchor) and their defined berths;  
 
c) established navigation channels for ships or ferries or any other form of water transport;  
 
d) established harbours (where ships and boats seek shelter from stormy weather, or are stored 
for future use) and harbour approach es; 
 
e) marinas or mooring areas with structures to which vessels may be secured such as piers;  
 
f) fish sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas (MPA);  
 
g) cables, pipelines and drilling platforms;  
 
h) parks, conservation and heritage or tourist sites;  
 
i) gazetted fish breeding sites, fish spawning and nursery grounds;  
 
j) existing domestic and industrial water intake and extraction points;  
 
k) fish migration routes;  
 
l) existing hydropower plants;  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  12 
  
m) core zones of Ramsar sites;  
 
n) areas gazetted under the lacustrine statutory instru ment;  
 
o) areas where water depth and quality fluctuation is high such as seasonal rivers;  
 
p) discharging gates of industrial and urban effluents;  
 
q) river and stream mouths and sources;  
 
r) conflicting fishing areas with capture fishers;  
 
s) prominent areas for wild  life including birds nesting; and  
 
t) social and culturally important areas.  
 
Table 2 —Table showing maximum proximity of some establishments around 
candidate sites  
 
SN  Establishment  Distance 
with not go 
within  
1  Shore line  200 m  
2  Areas of military or security interest or activities  2 km  
3  Published anchorages (where ships and boats 
anchor) and their defined berths ( sufficient  
space  for a vessel  to manoeuvre)  500 m  
4  Marked navigation channels for ships or ferries 
or any other form of water transport;  100 m  
5  Established harbours ( where ships and boats 
seek shelter from stormy weather, or are stored 
for future use)  and harbour  approaches  5 km  
6  Marinas or mooring areas with structures to 
which vesse ls may be secured such as piers  500 m  
7  Fish sanctuaries a nd Marine Protected Areas 
(MPA)  2 km  
8  Cables, p ipelines and drilling platforms  100 m  
9  Parks, conservatio n and heritage or tourist 
sites 100 m  
10  Gazetted fish breeding sites, fish spawning and 
nursery grounds  200-300 m  
11  Existing domestic and industrial water intake 
and extraction points;  100 m  
12  Fish migration routes   
14  Existing hydropower plants  1 km  
15  Core Zones of Ramsar sites  2 km  
16  Areas gazetted under the Lacustrine Statutory 
Instrument  1 km  
17  Areas where water depth and quality 
fluctuation is high such as seasonal rivers  500 m  
18  Known commo n and important fishing grounds  1 km  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  13 SN  Establishment  Distance 
with not go 
within  
19  Effluent discharging gates of industrial urban 
effluents and other waste disposal points  500 m  
20  River and stream mouths and sources  1.5 or 3 km  
21  Landing sites  200 m  
22  Weed hotspots ( for example,  water hyacinth)  100 m  
23  Recreational facilities  500 m  
24  Conflicting fishing areas with capture fishers   
25  Prominent areas for wild life including birds 
nesting   
26  Social and culturally important areas   
27  Public use (drinking water, cleaning, navigation   
 
 
4.5 Stocking density in cages and ponds  
 
4.5.1  Proper stocking densities shall be adopted at any given time so as to prevent pollution, diseases 
and parasites outbreak and maximize profits.  
 
4.5.2  Fingerlings shall only be stocked in nursery cages after attaining the initial recommended 
minimum size of at least 5 g that is efficiently retained by a 5 -mm mesh net nursery cage.  
 
4.5.3  For cages , a maximum stocking density  is 120 kg m-3. 
Stocking density for ponds  is 4 fish per m2 .   
 
4.5.4  Sites with good water exchange can have high stocking densities, while those with poor water 
exchange shall use lower stocking densities.  
 
4.5.5  Fingerlings for stocking shall be graded before stocking and these shall continuously be graded 
throughout the production cycles to ensure uniformity in size at stocking and harvest.  
 
 
5 Inputs  
 
There are varieties of inputs used for Tilapia culture including seeds, feeds, supplements, vitamins, 
probiotics, veterinary drugs, liming, salt and chemicals. The selection of such inputs depends upon the 
age/size of the Tilapia, stocking density and Tilapia targeted size.  
 
 
5.1 Seed  
 
The quality of Tilapia seed is an important variable for the success of the farm.  
 
5.1.1  Selection of good quality seed  
 
Quality of the seed includes good external appear ance or characteristics  such as free of deformities, 
no injuries at all fins, good shape, bright -eyes and scales; actively swimming. Good quality is that which 
is free from any parasite or any such disease of potential hazards.  
 
Obtain seed from reputable and certified supplier.  The supplying farm shall provide appropriate 
documentation of the seeds, and be able to inform on the quality of seeds being produced and 
husbandry practices.  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  14 
  
5.1.2  Conditioning of fish  seeds  before transportation  
 
Conditioning of fish seeds shall be don e in accordance with CAC/RCP 52.  
 
5.1.3  General requirements  
 
a. The live fish seeds shall be stored where they shall not be subjected to desiccation, extreme 
high and low temperatures and any other type of stress.  
 
b. Only healthy, disease -free and conditioned live fish seeds with minimum of 24 h shall be 
selected and released for packing and transportation.  
 
c. The source of live fish seeds shall be controlled to ensure healthy stock in accordance with 
CAC/RCP 52.  
 
d. As far as practicable, live fish seeds of the sa me species and size shall be packed for transport. 
However, fish seeds of certain compatible species, of uniform size which are non -predaceous 
in habits can be packed in the same container.  
 
e. Fish seeds shall be transported by the fastest means possible.  
 
f. A minimum of 50 % of the space in each polyethylene bag used as a container for holding live 
fish seeds shall be filled with oxygen, so as to provide a pressure of 1.0 kg /m2. The mouth of 
the polyethylene bag shall be tied tightly to prevent escape of oxygen during transportation. 
During transport ation , jerks, jolts and shocks shall be avoided, as far as possible.  
 
g  Fry and fingerlings for long transportation have to be prepared or conditioned. The most     
common method of conditioning is to store fr y in a cloth “hapa” in ponds or in a still part of a 
river or canal. The depth of water where a conditioning enclosure is to be installed shall be 30 
cm to 35 cm.  
 
h. The period of conditioning depends on the size and health of the spawn (hatchling), fry and  
fingerlings, the prevailing temperature and the duration of transport involved .  
 
 
The following should  be observed:  
 
 the fry needs to be conditioned for a minimum of 3 h;  
 
 early fingerlings (35 mm - 50 mm)   for 6 h;  
 
 advanced fingerlings (80 -100 mm) for 9 h; and  
 
 juveniles (150 mm) for 12 h.  
 
       The bigger the seed, the more time it takes to condition it  
 
5.1.4  Methods of packing and transport  
 
Packing and t ransport ation  shall follow national legislation.  
 
5.2 Feeds  
 
Fish feed are a major source of nutrients , may be discharge d into the water body as uneaten food and 
excreta. The type of fish feed used will greatly influence the amount of pollutants discharged in to  the 
water body.   
 
5.2.1  The quantity of fish feeds shall not exceed 15 % body weight of total fish in fry and shall be 
reduced as recommended by the feed supplier  as the fish grows.  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  15  
5.2.2  In case of using feed supplement and other feedstuff from factories/distributors, the feed shall 
be attached with a label containing information on nutrient composition, type of production, expiry date 
and storage conditions.  
 
5.2.2  Medicated feeds, if used, shall be clearly identified on the package and stored separately, in 
order to avoid conf usion with other feeds. Farmers shall follow manufacturer instructions on the use of 
medicated feeds.  
 
5.2.4  In case of farm -made feed, raw materials such as fishmeal, soybean -meal, bran, and milled 
rice shall be free of veterinary drugs and prohibited sub stances in order to prevent the veterinary drug 
and chemical residue in the tissue of the Tilapia.  
 
5.2.5  In addition, farm -made feed shall be produced and stored in clean and hygienic containers.  
 
5.2.6  Farm -made feed shall be nutritionally complete to meet the requirement of the Tilapia in culture.  
 
5.2.7  In case of using other non -food stuff, supplement, bio -microbe, and others relevant foodstuff; 
the feed shall be free from contamination of veterinary  drugs and prohibited chemicals.  
 
5.2.8  Veterinary therapeutic products and medicinal premixes for inclusion in fish feeds to be applied 
to fish shall be done with approval for use by competent authority.  
 
5.2.9  Farmers are advised to use feeds certified b y a relevant competent  authority  for safety and 
quality and feeds used shall:  
 
a) be water stable and easily acceptable by the fish; and  
 
b) be dry extruded and pelleted.  
 
Proper feeding technology shall be applied with regards to quantity and feeding method.  
 
5.3 Fish feeding  
 
Feeding fish on manufactured feed is a method of provision of an alternative diet for fish raised in 
captivity to replace the natural food available in natural water bodies since the fish are raised in an 
enclosure on all sides and bottom  by materials that hold the fish inside while permitting water exchange 
and waste removal into the surrounding water.  
 
Fish farming requires all the above properties for optimal growth and prevent  disease s. 
 
5.3.1  Proper feeding and feed  
 
Guidelines for p roper feeding and feed include the following:  
 
a) feed your fish with properly formulated feed to shorten the production period and maximize your 
profit;  
 
b) use local feedstuffs to reduce the cost of making your feed;  
 
c) prepare sufficient amount  of feed to avoi d spoilage during prolonged storage;  
 
d) package and store your feeds in sealed containers like jute bags with polythene lining  under 
good conditions ; and  
 
e) observe simple feeding techniques, procedures and rules as given below:  
 
(i) always maintain the pond water  at green colour; and  
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  16 
 (ii) feed fish regularly twice a day at specific times at specific feeding spots and by gradual 
broadcast till fish cease to come up to feed.  
 
5.3.2  Feed storage  
 
Guidelines for feed  storage  include the following:  
 
a) keep feed protected fro m contamination;  
 
b) store under cool and dry conditions;  
 
c) feed stores shall be free of vermin;  
 
d) floor racks  are mandatory  and the feed shall be kept away from the walls ; 
 
e) stacking shall be observed (avoid internal warming); and  
 
f) use dry and clean equipment.  
 
g) Storage of fish feed shall be managed on a first in first out principle  
 
6 Fish health management  
 
In order to prevent the introduction, emergence and spread of diseases, and invasive species, within a 
tilapia farming facility, and to its surrounding environment, biosecurity policies and procedures are 
required to decrease the likelihood of health -related problems occurring.  
 
6.1 Preventing diseases through good management  
 
6.1.1  Ensure good water quality;  sufficient supply, with adequate dissolved oxygen concentration and 
free of pollution.  
 
6.1.2  Keep the pond environment healthy;  control silt, control plants, keep a healthy balance of 
phytoplankton and zooplankton, and exchange water if needed. If neces sary, use mechanical aeration. 
Disinfect the pond regularly.  
 
6.1.3  Keep the fish in good condition and control stocking density. Keep different sizes or sexes 
separate if necessary to control fighting. Ensure good food supply. Handle the fish properly, e specially 
during harvesting and sorting/grading. Care for your fish during storage and transport.  
 
6.1.4  Prevent the entry of disease organisms from outside your farm as follows:  
 
a) introduce disease free stocks;  
 
b) control wild fish by using filters and screens and regularly eradicate them from canals and 
ponds;  
 
c) disinfect all fish stocks imported from outside as eggs, juveniles or adults;  
 
d) be careful when using trash fish or processing wastes as supplementary feed ; if possible,  boil 
the raw material for at least 30 min or use it for compost or silage feeds; if natural food supplies 
are limited, add vitamin* supplements to the cooked food to ensure its quality;  
 
e) increase vigilance; if you have to use water downstrea m from a neighbouring fish farm, use 
screens to control escaped fish;  
 
f) for a hatchery it is safest to use spring or well water, free of disease organisms; it is also useful 
for rearing small fry;; and  
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  17 g) enclose hatchery and nursery areas with  a fence to control access ; use fo otbaths and protective 
clothing if necessary to limit contamination.  
 
6.1.5  Prevent the spread of disease organisms w ithin your farm:  
 
a) control fish -eating predators, particularly birds and mammals;  
 
b) disinfect ponds regularly to kill both the disease organisms and their intermediate hosts;  
 
c) keep different age groups of fish separate; disinfect breeding ponds well and, if  possible, 
remove brood stock from them as soon as spawning has taken place;  
 
d) use diversion ponds with parallel flow if possible; if your ponds are arranged in series, it is best 
to have the water flow from the ponds with the less infected and more sensiti ve, youngest fish 
into the ponds with the oldest fish (more infected and less sensitive);  
 
e) disinfect juveniles before stocking them in clean fattening ponds; treat broodstock before using 
them for propagation in breeding ponds;  
 
f) bury diseased fish with qui cklime away from the ponds; carefully treat infected ponds and 
disinfect all equipment that has come in contact with them;  
 
g) in a hatchery have separate equipment for handling small and large fish, if possible keeping 
one set of hand nets, buckets, etc. for  each tank or pond;  
 
h) use disinfectant bins for routine disinfection of equipment, and clearly mark the equipment 
accordingly;  
 
i) new and diseased fish shall be quarantined when necessary and appropriate. Dead fish shall 
be disposed well in a sanitary manner to discourage the spread of diseases and the cause of 
diseases shall be investigated; and  
 
j) fouling organism shall be removed on the fish cages regularly.  
 
6.2 Biosecurity measures  
 
6.2.1  Disease prevention measures shall be put on the farm to prevent outbr eaks of fish diseases 
and those related to public health. Regular checks on tools are strongly recommended to prevent fish 
injuries and subsequent disease challenges.  
 
6.2.2  Farmers shall regularly monitor fish behaviour and to check water quality to quick ly identify fish 
health and diseases.  
 
6.2.3  Any symptoms shall be reported to the competent authority.  
 
6.2.4  Treatment, administration of recommended drugs and chemicals shall be used under guidance 
by veterinarian or fisheries officer. Prohibited or exp ired veterinary drugs or chemicals shall not be used. 
Records of the use of drugs shall be kept for at least two (2) years for reference.  
 
6.2.5  A system shall be in place to ensure that application of veterinary drug to withdrawal time for 
the batch of th e treated fish can be verified.   
 
6.2.6  Farmers are advised to check for any updated information on prohibited drugs and use of drugs.  
 
6.2.7  Examination for the cause of dead fish and its diagnosis shall be conducted immediately.  
 
6.2.8  Any suspicious sign of sickness and death. Disease outbreak shall be reported to the 
responsible authority immediately. The farmer shall have appropriate methods for animal carcass 
disposal (for example, burying, bury together with anti -infection or liming, etc.). The ou tflow of water 
from the disease infected pond shall be correctly treated before draining.  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  18 
  
6.2.9  As a control measure related to concerns relating to fish health and movement of live fish relate 
to the possibility of transferring or importing an “exotic” d isease or disease causing agent, a fish 
transportation health permit shall always be required before transporting live fish across country 
boundaries.  
 
6.2.10  Once a cage has been affected with disease, the net shall be disinfected using chlorine or 
potass ium permanganate before any reuse.  
 
6.2.11  It is advisable to continuously check the health of the fish and their feeding response so as to 
prevent disease outbreak.  
 
6.2.12  Good fish condition is better maintained by proper management of the environment in which 
the fish thrives. It is also important to keep record of the activities such as feeding, temperature and 
dissolved oxygen as well as sampling for growth so that changes can be better explained.   
 
6.2.13  Use only recommended chemicals for fish trea tment and drugs and chemicals shall be used 
under guidance by veterinarian or fish pathologist.  
 
6.2.14  Quarantine facilities shall be provided. Diseased fish shall be quarantined.  
 
7 Farm sanitation  
 
Sanitation is critical for both pond and cage culture. The farm shall keep high sanitary standards to keep 
the disease risks low. It is recommended to implement the suggested measures of farm management 
as given in 7.1 to 7.9.  
 
7.1 Drain from household and farm system shall be separated in order to avoid water  pollution. For 
example, household outflow shall not be drained to the same channel with the inflow of farm water 
system or reservoir.  
 
7.2 Toilets shall be completely separated from the farm area, and waste control/management 
system.  Sanitary and hygiene  practices shall be maintained to ensure there is no leaking of wastewater 
into the farm system.  The presence of coliforms is indicative of faecal  contamination of the water. The 
probable number of coliform bacteria shall not exceed 5 000 MPN/100 ml, and normal number of enteral 
bacteria shall be maintained. High numbers of enteral bacteria indicate contamination with waste water 
from toilets, household, or pets.  
 
7.3 Proper treatment and disposal of aquaculture waste is required, that is dead fish shall b e 
disposed by appropriate methods, for example burning or burying. Expired veterinary drugs shall be 
disposed of according to relevant regulations. It is recommended to recycle the chemical containers.  
 
7.4 Tools on the farm shall be stored in good order and under hygienic condition; and shall be well 
maintained. Workers’ housing, offices, feed store, warehouse, feed preparation area, and buildings 
shall always be kept clean and well maintained.  
 
7.5 Good management system for garbage including its routine  collection and disposal is required. 
Trash bins shall be covered at all times in order to prevent flies, rodents, cockroaches, and pets. It is 
advisable to develop on site the waste disposal site which is isolated from the farm.  
 
7.6 Do not allow other a nimals (for example, duck, chicken, dog, etc.) into the pond area. In cases 
where dogs are used for security, they shall always be under leash and not free roaming.  
 
7.7 Toilets shall be completely separated from the cage area. Waste management shall cons ider 
good sanitary practices  to ensure that the waste will not leak/contaminate to/with cultural system. In 
case that toilet is located on land, it shall not drain or leak into the cages.  
 
7.8 Tools in the farm shall be stored in good order and under hygienic conditions. Workers’ housing, 
offices, feed store, warehouses, feed preparation area, and buildings shall always be kept clean and 
well maintained.  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  19  
7.9 Trash shall not be discarded into the cage. Trash collection area shall be properly regulated and 
well managed. Trash bin shall be covered at all time in order to prevent flies, rodents, cockroaches, and 
pets.  
 
8 Harvest and post -harvest practices  
 
Appropriate harvesting technology shall be used to maintain good quality product. The farmer shall 
strive to avoid post -harvest losses due to spoilage and damages. The fish shall be sold in good condition 
for human consumption. The farmer shall therefore follow recommendations in 8.1 to 8.4.  
 
8.1 The farmer shall have a good harvest plan and rapid distrib ution means to deliver a fresh and 
health fish product that is of premium quality.  
 
8.2 As confidence building measures the farmer shall be able to demonstrate the source of fish to 
relevant stakeholders whenever requested by presenting the fish movement d ocuments issued by the 
competent authority.  
 
8.3 During the process of Tilapia grow -out period in the pond or cage, tissue sample of the fish 
product shall be randomly sampled and sent for analysis of residual veterinary drugs or pesticides at 
least once a  year. Further tests shall include microbiological analysis of public health concern. The 
prohibited veterinary drugs and chemicals shall not be found. The allowed veterinary drugs and 
chemicals shall not exceed the maximum limits specified by the standard . 
 
8.4 For good quality and safety of fish products, guidelines for management and maintenance during 
harvest and post -harvest process shall be as follows:  
 
8.4.1  In case Tilapia have problem with muddy taste due to the accumulated consumption of blue-
green algae in the pond. Recommendations for solving the problem are as follows:  
 
8.4.1.1  In order to reduce the blue -green algae in the water, compost fertilizer shall not be used at 
least two months prior to the harvest; additional feed or supplemen tary feed shall be provided, together 
with water exchange. However, care shall be taken as accumulation of unused feed might lead to 
blooming of blue -green algae.  
 
8.4.1.2  Muddy taste in the fish shall be determined by tasting the steamed fish sample witho ut 
seasoning. If the fish does not contain muddy taste, the product can be sold. In case of muddy taste, 
water exchange is needed and microorganism treatment or liming shall be used for reducing the blue -
green algae.  
 
8.4.2  Fish shall be starved one day be fore harvesting to allow the fish defecate the feed in the 
stomach. This way, quality and freshness of the fish product can be kept.   
 
8.4.3  The personnel handling fish at the farm shall be screened of infectious or communicable 
diseases.  
 
8.4.4  Tools, equipment, and harvesting method shall not pose a negative effect to the quality of fish 
and post -harvest storage as well as cause contamination affecting food safety. Harvested products 
shall not be directly in contact with the bare ground.  
 
8.4.5  Equipme nt used for fish handling for example, media immersing and transferring, etc. shall be 
clean and made of strong materials withstanding corrosion; and be in good condition and ready for use. 
After work, all equipment shall be immediately cleaned and stored so as not to harbour the microbes.  
 
8.4.6  Clean and chemical -free ice shall be used. Reuse of ice is not recommended.  
 
8.4.7  Vehicles used for transporting the fish shall be designed in order to prevent heat during 
transportation. Areas for transferring th e fish shall be made of materials which are  easy to clean and 
shall prevent the entry of dust and protect the fish from direct sunlight and heat.  
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  20 
 8.4.7.1  when transporting harvested tilapia, they shall be chilled immediately after harvest to 
maintain fres hness as much as possible. The use of ground or flake ice is recommended because 
smaller size of ice has larger contact surface with the product, thus can chill the product faster. Water 
used for cleaning fish shall comply with the standard for drinking wa ter and shall not be reused. For 
best quality, pack the product in appropriate size container after putting the ice at the bottom. Then the 
product shall be packed in alternate layers with ice to preserve the quality and freshness of the fish.  
 
8.4.7.2  when transporting live fish, the container used during transport shall be insulated against 
external heat. Aeration shall be used during the transportation. Surfaces that will come into contact with 
fish shall be made of materials that are easy to clean and p revent dust particles. During transportation, 
the use of ice is recommended in order to numb the fish and reduce the damages that may occur. The 
temperature shall not be too low from that of the pond where the fish was raised to avoid  caus ing injury 
to the fish.  
 
 
8.5 General guidelines for selecting a harvest seine:  
 
a) seine length shall be about 1  - 1½ times greater than pond width;  
 
b) similarly, net depth shall be 1  - 1½ to 2 times greater than pond depth -3 to 4 feet of seine depth 
for every 2 feet of pond depth;  
 
c) seines shall be made of nylon or polyethylene twine (number 42 twine is commonly 
recommended);  
 
d) mesh size (bar or square measure) shall be no smaller than that needed to catch the minimum 
fish size desired - smaller mesh sizes create greater w ater resistance (drag) and make nets 
harder to pull;  
 
e) a "live -car" or "harvest sock" with the appropriate mesh size can be attached to the seine net 
for size selective harvest and may also help reduce the number of fish that escape; and  
 
f) a weighted "mud li ne" (bottom rope) is preferred over a "lead line" in ponds with soft, muddy 
bottoms. a lead line digs into the mud while a mud line skims over the top of it. Sufficient weight 
(2 oz weights on 18 -inch centres) shall be attached to the lead or mud line to k eep it on the 
bottom while pulling the net. The top rope of a seine has foam or plastic floats attached (on 18 -
inch centres) and is called the "float line".  
 
8.6 Catching  or harvesting of fish from a pond is undertaken when the fish stock or part of it has  
attained market size. The market size of fish is determined by customer acceptability and preference. 
Most fish species with proper feeding and management reach market size within six to nine months of 
stocking (or maximum of 12 months) and shall be harve sted within this period. Moreover if partial 
harvesting  or the removal of bigger fish to allow smaller ones to grow more . This  is repeatedly done at 
reasonable time intervals (two or three times) before total harvesting  (or the removal of all pond fish at 
the same time), the cumulative yield due to multiple harvest will be greater than the yield from a single 
harvest.  
 
8.7 Recommendations   
 
8.7.1  Advertise three to five days ahead of harvest in previously identified markets.  
 
8.7.2  For convenience and cost reduction make sales on farm, or make adequate arrangement for 
harvest  fish to previously identified markets.  
 
8.7.3  Stop feeding fish one to three days before harvesting, and harvest  when weather is cool 
especially in the early mo rning.  
 
8.7.4  For economic reasons and optimum profit, harvest  within six to nine month of stocking 
(maximum of 12 months), preferable during festival periods and by partial harvest  two to three times.  
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  21 8.7.5  Sort fish into species and size grades for marketing and consider total cost of inputs (and 
prevailing local price rates) before fixing prices.  
 
8.7.6  Keep accurate record of yield and sales figures.  
 
8.7.7  For maximum returns market fish live or processed  (for this, prepare holding tanks, cages, e tc. 
for live fish storage of surplus/unsold fish. Furthermore , to reduce work load and avoid losses, the fish 
could be contracted out for process ing at a fee before marketing).  
 
9 Escapes from aquaculture facilities  
 
Tilapia escaping from aquaculture facil ities may function as vectors of disease in the receiving water 
environment, or may out -compete native fish species or native tilapia strains. Prevention of stocked 
tilapia from escaping shall be done through monitoring and the use of  escape barriers.  
 
10 Common chemicals and their use on the fish farm  
 
Most chemicals used for controlling disease d organisms are toxic and/or irritant for the skin and 
respiratory tract.  
 
Most chemicals can cause serious health problems if swallowed or absorbed through the s kin. 
Chemicals  should therefore be handled  with care, mark ed  clearly and store d safely, away from children 
in particular.   
 
10.1 Precautions to be taken w hen handling chemicals :  
 
a) hands shall be protected by wearing rubber gloves; if possible , wear overalls and boots for 
general protection;  
 
b) work in a well -ventilated area;  
 
c) handle chemicals carefully, avoiding splashing or spillage and, if accidentally splashed, wash 
off immediately;  
 
d) avoid inhaling dangerous vapours;  
 
e) clearly mark all containe rs, equipment and protective clothing used for storing and handling 
chemicals; unless they can be thoroughly and safely washed out, do not use them for other 
purposes; store them safely when not in use; and  
 
f) hands shall be thoroughly wash ed after use, and particularly before touching any food.  
 
11 Social responsibility  
 
Farmers shall only employ workers that are of the legal minimum age allowed in the country.  
 
12 Record  keeping  
 
To ensure that the Tilapia culture management system can be efficiently implemented and improved 
from time to time, any person or establishment engaged in commercial Tilapia production shall keep 
records. These records relate to measures in place to control hazards and health related problems 
including records on species , quan tities and their sources, analysis result s from laboratory  , Fry 
Movement Document (FMD) and/or Movement Document (MD). Others include nature and origin of 
feeds, feeding methods and quantities, fertilizers, veterinary drugs,  treatment regimens and occurre nce 
of diseases ; analytical results for water, soil, fish and feeds, and  residues of  veterinary drugs.   
 
These records shall be kept on the farm for at least a period of two years  
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  22 
  
Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Criteria for inspection audits  
 
Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
1. Site 
1.1 Pond  1.1.1 Farm shall be 
registered with the 
Competent 
Authority.  1.1.1  Check the farm 
registration 
document.  Major  requirement  
1.1.2  Availability of water 
of good quality.  1.1.2.1 Visual inspection 
of the water storage 
that is used for 
tilapia culture.  
1.1.2.2 Visual inspection 
of mitigation 
measure or treating 
in case of poor 
water quality . Major  requirement  
1.1.3  Pond shall be 
located at least 
100m from polluted 
sources.  1.1.3.1 Risk Assessment 
done  
1.1.3.2 Visual inspection 
for the risk of pollution.  
1.1.3. 3 Visual inspection 
of mitigation measure or 
improving in case of 
having the risk.  Major  requirement  
1.1.4  Availability of good 
water inlet and outlet 
system.  1.1.4 Visual inspection of 
the system of water inlet 
and outlet and the design 
of water supply among 
ponds to prevent cross 
contamination.  Major  requirement  
1.1.5  Conveniently access 
from both outside 
and inside the farm 
to facilitate farm 
operation and 
transportation of the 
produce.  1.1.5  Visual inspection.  Major  requirement  
1.1.6  Essential basic 
infrastructure shall 
be available.  1.1.6  Visual inspection,  
storage, production, 
Security, processing 
facilities . Major  requirement  
1.1.7  Permit shall be 
granted for pond 
farming and the 
pond shall be set in 
the permitted area 
where applicable . 1.1.7  Check the Licence.  Major  requirement  
1.2 Cage  1.2.1  Farm shall be 
registered with the 
Department of 
Fisheries.  1.2.1  Check the farm 
registration 
document.  
 Major requirement  
1.2.2  Permit shall be 
granted for cage 1.2.2  Check the licence . 
 Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  23 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
farming and cage 
shall be set in the 
permitted area . 
1.2.3  Cage shall be 
located in the area 
with water quality 
suitable for t ilapia 
culture . 1.2.3.1 Visual inspection 
of water resources.  
1.2.3.2 Check water 
quality or record of 
water analysis . Major  requirement  
1.2.4  Cage shall be kept 
distance to polluted 
sources . 1.2.4.1 Visual inspection 
of farm surrounding.  
1.2.4.2 Visual inspection 
of mitigation  
measure or 
improving in case of 
having the risk.  Major  requirement  
1.2.5  Conveniently access 
from both outside 
and inside the farm 
to facilitate farm 
operation and 
transportation of the 
produce . 1.2.5  Visual inspection.  
 Major  requirement  
1.2.6  Essential basic 
infrastructure shall 
be available . 1.2.6  Visual inspection, 
(storage, 
production, security 
and processing) . Major  requirement  
1.2.7  Cage shall be 
located in the area 
suitable for fish 
farming and do not 
affect the ecology 
and environment 
adversely . 1.2.7 Visual inspection of 
the cage location.  
 Major  requirement  
1.2.8  Permit shall be 
granted for cage 
farming and cage 
shall be set in the 
permitted area 
where applicable . 1.2.8  Check 
permit/licence  Major requirement  
2. General 
management  
2.1 Pond  
  
2.1.1  Operate according 
to the Department of 
Fisheries guidelines 
on tilapia farm or 
other practices 
according to relevant 
recommendations .  
2.1.1. 1 Interview  to 
farmers.  
 
2.1.1.2  Check the 
guidelines . Major  requirement  
2.1.2  Availability of farm 
location and layout  2.1.2  Check map and 
layout/plan.  
 Major  requirement  
2.1.3  Availability of 
adequate quality and 
quantity of water or 
be able to improve 
Tilapia culture.  2.1.3.1 Check the water 
quality and quantity.  
 
2.1.3.2  Check the record 
of water quality or Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  24 
 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
sampling water for 
quality analysis.  
2.1.4  Effluent shall comply 
with relevant laws 
and regulations.  2.1.4  Check the result of 
effluent test.  
 Major  requirement  
2.1.5  Attend technical 
meeting or training 
program on farm 
management, use of 
production inputs, 
harvesting, and 
relevant laws, and 
regulations . 2.1.5   Check the plan/ 
evidence of the 
meeting or training.  Major  requirement  
2.2 Cage  2.2.1  Operate according 
to the Department of 
Fisheries technical 
guidelines on tilapia 
farm or other 
practices according 
to the relevant 
recommendations.  2.2.1.1  Interview to 
farmers.  
2.2.1.2 Check the manual 
and manual 
application.  Major  requirement  
2.2.2  Availability of Cage 
location and layout.  2.2.2  Check map and 
layout/plan.  Major  requirement  
2.2.3  Surface area of the 
site shall not exceed 
the permitted area 
granted by the 
Department of 
Fisheries  2.2.3.1 Visual inspection.  
 
2.2.3.2  Inspection of the 
permitted area.  Major  requirement  
2.2.4  Attend technical 
meeting or training 
program on farm 
management, use of 
production inputs, 
harvesting, and 
relevant laws, and 
regulations.  2.2.4  Check the plan/ 
evide nce of the 
meeting or training.  Major  requirement  
3. Inputs.  
3.1 Fry   
3.1.1  Healthy and non -
infectious fry shall be 
used.   
3.1.1.1  Inspection of fry 
quality.  
3.1.1.2  Check fry quality 
guarantee 
document or fry 
quality recording.  Major  requirement  
3.1.2  Availability of fry 
origin  3.1 Check the copy of 
Fry Movement 
Document (FMD) in 
case of purchase 
from outside.  
3.2 Check fry origin 
record.  Major  requirement  
3.2 Feed  3.2.1  Use formulated feed, 
feed supplement 
and other 
ingredients 
registered with the 
competent authority 3.2.1  Check label of 
formulated feed, 
feed supplement 
and other 
ingredients.  Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  25 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
(in case such inputs 
are subject to 
registration) and 
valid date of 
expiration.  
3.2.2  In case the feed is 
prepared on the 
farm, feed 
ingredients shall be 
free from veterinary 
drugs and legally 
prohibited 
substances.  3.2.2.1 Visual inspection.  
 
3.2.2.2 Check the test 
report . Major  requirement  
3.2.3  Feed prepared on 
the farm shall meet 
hygienic 
requirements and be 
safe for aquatic 
animals and 
consumers.  3.2.3  Check the record of 
feed preparation or 
visual inspection.  Major  requirement  
3.2.4  Feed prepared on 
the farm shall  meet 
nutrient 
requirements of 
tilapia.  3.2.4.1  Inspection of the 
feed ingredients.  
3.2.4.2  Check the report 
of feed quality 
analysis (if any).  Major  requirement  
3.3 Other inputs  3.3.1  Any inputs other 
than those 
mentioned in 3.2 
shall be free from 
contamination  
according to national 
law and regulations.  3.3.1  Check the test 
report.  
 
3.3.2  Random sampling 
for analysis.  Major  requirement  
3.4 All inputs shall be 
safely and 
appropriately stored 
in good hygienic 
condition.  3.4 Visual inspection of 
the input storage.  Major  requirement  
4. Health management  
4.1 Pond  4.1.1  Pond and equipment 
shall be properly 
prepared to prevent 
the introduction of 
aquatic animal 
diseases.  4.1.1.1  Visual inspection  
4.1.1.2  Check the record 
of the pond and 
equipment 
preparation.  
 Major  requirement  
4.1.2  In case where 
Tilapia shows any 
abnormal 
symptoms, 
management 
measures shall be 
taken into 
consideration prior 
to applying 
veterinary drugs and 
chemicals. 
Preliminary 
diagnosis shall be 
carried out, including 
corrective action and 
records/ Veterinary 4.1.2.1 Check the record 
of corrective actions 
in case where 
Tilapia shows any 
abnormal 
symptoms.  
4.1.2.2 Check the record 
of farming activity on 
daily basis.  
 Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  26 
 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
Surge on shall be 
consulted . 
4.1.3  If sick t ilapia is found 
and veterinary drugs 
or chemical 
treatment is 
necessary, apply 
only registered 
veterinary drugs or 
chemicals, and 
strictly follow the 
instruction on the 
label. (v eterinary 
drugs shall be 
administered under 
the supervision 
Veterinary Surgeon ). 4.1.3  Check the record of 
the use of veterinary 
drugs and 
chemicals including 
withdrawal period.  Major  requirement  
4.1.4  Prohibited veterinary 
drugs and ch emicals 
shall not be used 
(see Annex  B). 4.1.4.1 Visual inspection.  
 
4.1.4.2  Check the 
application record 
of veterinary drugs 
and chemicals.  Major  requirement  
 4.1.5  In case of suspected 
disease outbreak, 
the farmer shall 
immediately inform 
the Department of 
Fisheries who shall 
in turn notify the 
Veterinary 
Department 
appropriately 
manage t he 
problem . 
 4.1.5.1 Check the record 
of corrective 
actions in case of 
disease outbreak 
to facilitate 
management of 
the problem.  
 Major  requirement  
Cage  4.2.1  Cage shall be 
properly and 
appropriately sited, 
prepared and 
installed to prevent 
environmental 
impact and disease 
outbreak.  4.2.1.1  Check the record 
of cage 
preparation and 
installation.  
4.2.1.2  Visual inspection 
of cage location.  Major  requirement  
4.2.2  Cage and equipment 
shall be periodically 
cleaned throughout 
the production 
process.  4.2.2  Check the record of 
the cage cleaning.  
 Major  requirement  
4.2.3  The health of Tilapia 
shall be regularly 
monitored and taken 
care of.  
 4.2.3.1  Questionnaire 
survey or 
interview to 
farmers.  
4.2.3.2  Check the record 
of health 
management.  Major  requirement  
4.2.4  In case where tilapia 
shows any abnormal 4.2.4.1  Check the record 
of corrective Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  27 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
symptoms, 
management 
measures shall be 
taken into 
consideration prior 
to applying 
veterinary drugs and 
chemicals. 
Preliminary 
diagnosis shall be 
carried out, including 
corrective action and 
records.  actions in case 
where Tilapia 
shows any 
abnormal 
symptoms.  
4.2.4.2  Check the record 
of farming activity 
on daily basis.  
 
4.2.5  If sick Tilapia is 
found and veterinary 
drugs or chemical 
treatment is 
necessa ry, apply 
only registered 
veterinary drugs or 
chemicals, and 
strictly follow the 
instruction on the 
label. (Veterinary 
drugs shall be 
administered under 
the supervision 
Veterinary Surgeon) . 4.2.5  Check the record of 
the use of veterinary 
drugs and 
chemical s including 
withdrawal period.  
 Major  requirement  
4.2.6  Prohibited veterinary 
drugs and chemicals 
shall not be used.  
 4.2.6.1  Visual inspection  
4.2.6.2  Check the 
application record 
of veterinary drugs 
and chemical.  Major  requirement  
4.2.7  In case of suspected 
disease outbreak, 
the farmer shall 
immediately inform 
the Department of 
Fisheries who shall 
in turn n otify the 
Veterinary 
Department  and 
appropriately 
manage the carcass 
and water discharge 
problem . 4.2.7.1  Check the record 
of corrective 
actions in case of 
disease outbreak 
to facilitate 
management of 
the problem.  
 Major  requirement  
5. Farm sanitation  
5.1 Pond  5.1.1  Household 
discharge shall be 
separated from the 
culture pond.  5.1.1 Visual inspection  Major  requirement  
5.1.2  Toilet shall be 
hygienically 
designed in 
separated area and 
prevent possibility of 
sewage 
contamination to 
culture pond.  5.1.2 Visual inspection.  
 Major  requirement  
5.1.3  Availability of 
sanitary system for 5.1.3.1 Visual inspection.  Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  28 
 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
waste disposal from 
the culture e.g. 
carcass .  
5.1.3.2  Check the record 
of waste disposal 
management.  
5.1.4  Equipment and tools 
shall be orderly 
stored, cleaned, in 
hygienic manner and 
proper maintenance 
for use.  5.1.4  Visual inspection.  
 Major  requirement  
5.1.5  Availability of good 
management of 
waste disposal to 
prevent flies, rodents 
and cockroaches as 
well as pet digging . 5.1.5  Visual inspection of 
the management of 
waste disposal.  
 Major  requirement  
5.1.6  Pets are not allowed 
in culture pond area.  5.1.6  Visual inspection  Major  requirement  
5.2 Cage  5.2.1  Toilets shall be 
hygienically 
designed prevent 
possibility of sewage 
contamination to 
cage location.  5.2.1 Visual inspection  
 Major  requirement  
 5.2.2 Equipment and tools 
shall be orderly 
stored, cleaned, in 
hygienic manner and 
proper maintenance 
for use.  5.2.2 Visual inspecti on 
 Major  requirement  
 5.2.3 No littering of 
garbage or waste in 
the area of cage 
location. It shall be 
properly discarded 
or destroyed.  5.2.3  Visual inspection of 
the manage ment of 
waste disposal.  
 Minor  requirement  
6. Harvest and post -
harvest handling  6.1 Availability of 
harvesting plan . 6.1 Check the harvesting 
plan document.  Major  requirement  
6.2 Availability of 
Movement Document 
(MD) . 6.2 Check the copy of 
movement document.  Major  requirement  
6.3 Veterinary drugs or 
chemical residues 
shall not be found or 
exceed the maximum 
residue limits.  6.3 Check the test report 
of residues of 
veterinary drugs and 
chemicals.  Major  requirement  
6.4 Availability of good 
management and 
hygienic handling of 
aquatic animals during 
harvest and post -
harvest in order to 
obtain good quality 
and safe product for 
consumers . 6.4 Check the record of 
management and 
handlings during 
harvest and post -
harvest.  Major  requirement  
7. Reco rd keeping  7. Important data shall 
be recorded at all 7. Check data recorded.  Major  requirement  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  29 Item Requirement  Inspection procedure  Compliance level  
stages of production 
and regularly updated.  
NOTE  Compliance levels and Judgment Criteria  
Compliance level  in this standard, divided into two levels as following:  
“Major requirement” means the mandatory requirement that shall be fully complied with. In case of non -
compliance, it will seriously affect the quality of Tilapia as well as with safety of consumers. It means that the 
requirement shall comply wit h relevant laws and regulations as well.  
“Minor requirement” means the requirement that may not be mostly complied with. In case of non -compliance it 
shall have minimum impact on health of the Tilapia and product quality  
Judgment Criteria  
Judgments for ins pection decision are as follows:  
All of the “major requirement” level shall be complied.  
All of the “minor requirement” level shall be complied not less than 60%. The improvement up to 80% shall be 
fulfilled within two years.  
 
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  30 
  
Annex B  
(normative)  
 
Veterinary drug residue and chemicals  
 
Group of substances to be monitored  Compound or marker 
residue  Matrix 
analysed  Level of action 
(that is, 
concentration 
above which a 
result is deemed 
non-compliant)  
μg/kg  
Group A: Substances having an abolic effects and unauthorized substances  
A1 Stilbenes  Diethylstilbestrol  Muscle  Any confirmed  
A3 Steroids (with androgenic, 
estrogenic or progestagenic 
activity)  Methyl testosterone  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Norethandrolone  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Medroxyprogesterone  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Trenbolone  Muscle  Any confirmed  
A6 Chloramphenicol + Nitrofurans + 
Nitroimidazoles       
Chloramphenicol  Chloramphenicol  Muscle  0.3* 
Nitrofurans        
Nitrofurantoin metabolite  AOZ Muscle  1* 
Furaltadone metabolite  AMOZ  Muscle  1* 
Furazolidone metabolite  AHD  Muscle  1* 
Nitrofurazone metabolite  SEM  Muscle  1* 
Nitroimidazoles  Metronidazole  Muscle  Presence  
Group B: Veterinary drugs and contaminants  
B1 Antibacterial substances  Oxytetracycline  Muscle  100 
Norfloxacin  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Sulphamethoxazole  Muscle  100 
Trimethoprim  Muscle  50 
Amoxycillin  Muscle  50 
Tylosln  Muscle  100 
Oxolinic acid  Muscle  100 
B2a Anthelmintics  Albendazole  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Ivermectin  Muscle  Any confirmed  
B2f Other pharmacologically active 
substances        
      
      DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  31 Group of substances to be monitored  Compound or marker 
residue  Matrix 
analysed  Level of action 
(that is, 
concentration 
above which a 
result is deemed 
non-compliant)  
μg/kg  
Sum of B3a + B3c + B3d + B3e       
B3a Organochlorine compounds 
including PCBS  Aldrin  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Chlordan -Alpha -Cis Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Chlordan -Gamma - Trans  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
DDE, pp' - Muscle  Various 2 -100 
DDT, op - Muscle  Various 2 -100 
DDT, pp' - Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Dieldrin  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Endosulfan -Alpha  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Endosulfan -Beta Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Endosulfansulfat  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
HCH -Alpha  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
HCH -Beta Muscle  Various 2 -100 
HCH -Gamma (lindane)  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Heptachlor  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Heptachlorepoxid -Cis-Trans  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
Oxychlordane  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 101 Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 118  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 138  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 153  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 180  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 28  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
PCB 52  Muscle  Various 2 -100 
B3c Chemical elements  Cadmium  Muscle  50 
Lead  Muscle  200 
Mercury  Muscle  500 
B3d Mycotoxins  Aflatoxin B1  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Aflatoxin B2  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Aflatoxin G1  Muscle  Any confirmed  
Aflatoxin G2  Muscle  Any confirmed  
B3e Malachite Green  Muscle  2* DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  32 
 Group of substances to be monitored  Compound or marker 
residue  Matrix 
analysed  Level of action 
(that is, 
concentration 
above which a 
result is deemed 
non-compliant)  
μg/kg  
Dyes for example, Malachite 
Green (+ leucomalachite green), 
crystal violet etc  Leucomalachite green  Muscle  2* 
Crystal violet  Muscle  Any confirmed  
 
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  33  
Annex C  
(informative)  
 
Criteria for the effluent from freshwater aquatic animal aquaculture farm  
 
The effluent  from freshwater aquatic animal aquaculture farm shall be treated to meet the standard 
criteria before discharging as given in C.1 to C.4.  
 
C.1 For herbivorous fish aquaculture farm and farm size over 1.6 ha:  
a) BOD does not exceed 20 mg/l; and  
b) Suspended Soli ds (SS) does not exceed 80 mg/l.  
C.2 Carnivorous fish or carnivorous/herbivorous fish aquaculture farm and farm size over 1.6 ha:  
a) BOD does not exceed 20 mg/l;  
b) Suspended Solid (SS) does not exceed 80 mg/l;  
c) Ammonia -Nitrogen (NH 3-N) does not exceed 1.1 mgN/l (milligram nitrogen per litre);  
d) Total Nitrogen does not exceed 4.0 mgN/l (milligram nitrogen per litre);  
e) Total phosphorus does not exceed 0.5 mgP/l (milligram phosporus per litre); and  
f) pH 6.5 - 8.5. 
C.3 All freshwater aquaculture farms where saline water or salt substances are added for the purpose 
of water salinity adjusted and farm size is less than 1.6 ha:  
a) pH 6.5 -8.5; and  
b) Water Conductivity at water temperature of 25 °C does not exceed 0.75 dS/m (deci 
Siemens/metre).  
C.4 All freshwater aquaculture farm where saline water or salt substance are added for the purpose 
of water salinity adjusted and farm size is more than 1.6 ha:  
a) BOD does not exceed 20 mg/l;  
b) Suspended solids (SS) does not exceed 80 mg/l;  
c) Ammonia -Nitrogen (NH3 -N) does not exceed 1.1 mgN/l (mil ligram nitrogen per litre);  
d) Total Nitrogen does not exceed 4.0 mgN/l (milligram nitrogen per litre);  
e) Total phosphorus does not exceed 0.5 mgP/l (milligram phosporus per litre);  
f) pH 6.5 -8.5; and  
g) Water Conductivity at water temperature of 25 °C does not exceed 0.75 dS/m.  
The limits are recommendations and shall not exceed those stipulated in relevant regulations 
responsible for effluent discharges. Users of this standard are therefore advised to seek guidance 
from competent authority.  
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  34 
  
Annex D  
(informat ive) 
 
Registration requirements  
 
 
D.1 Names and address of the establishments and managers  
D.2 Intended species and the descripti on of nature of other products  
D.3 Type of aquaculture to be practiced (seed, grow out)  
D.4 Production systems to b e adopted, cage, pond tank etc  
D.5 Intended capacity of product ion per annum  
D.6 Targeted market of the products  
D.7 Size of facility (number and size of production units such as ponds, cages and tanks)  
D.8 Location of facilities (from village to district plus GIS po sitioning in case of establishments on 
water bodies)  
D.9 Intende d stocking density  
D.10 Type (whether on -farm made  feed or commercially procured formulated feed) and so urces of 
feeds and other inputs  
D.11 Detailed drawing of the site plan for the facility  
D.12 Detailed water discharge plan including measures for treatment of farm effluents into the 
surroundings and steps for screenin g to avoid farmed fish escapees  
D.13 Clearance/permit for water abstraction and discharge in case of use in excess of 400  m3 of water 
a day  
D.14 Farm waste management plan  
D.15 Clearance or permit from Member States Competent Authoriti es responsible for environment  
D.16 Description  of the technologies to be used  
D.17 Detailed fish hea lth and disease monitoring plan.  
D.18 Intended  source of seed  
D.19 Evidence of cooperation of the communities near the s ite (land free of encumbrances)  
 
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  35  
Annex E  
(informative)  
 
Water quality parameters  
 
Parameter  Deficiency symptom  Corrective measure  Recommended 
range  
Temperature  Reduced feeding rate or 
no feeding at extreme 
temperatures  
Reduced disease 
resistance  
Poor growth rates  
Mortalities at extremes  Proper pond construction 
(deep enough ponds)  
Proper water exchange on 
hot days  
Mechanical aeration  
Routine pond dredging after 
harvest  23 ºC – 32 ºC 
Dissolved 
Oxygen (DO)  Fish gasping  
Fish aggregating 
themselves at the inlet  
Reduced feed in take 
Reduced disease 
resistance  
Poor growth rates  
Mortalities at extreme low  Avoid over fertilization  
Physical control of aquatic 
weeds and macrophytes  
Recycling of water and use 
of aerators  
Manually beating the waters  
Avoid over stocking  
Reduce the feed until good 
DO levels are recovered  Above 5  mg/l 
pH Increased mucus on the 
gills 
Damage to eye lens and 
cornea  
Reduced feed intake or 
no feeding at extreme pH  
Fin fray and fish scraping 
on the pond walls  
Poor growth rates  
Mortalities  Proper water exchange by 
replacing some water with 
fresh incoming water  
Mechanical aeration  
Use quick lime in case of 
low pH and bleaching 
powder in  case of extreme 
high p H 
Avoid over fertilization  
Reduce biomass  6.5 – 9.0 
 
Carbon  dioxide 
(CO 2) Fish scrapping on pond 
walls  
Reduced feed in take 
Poor growth rates  
Mortalities at extreme 
high CO 2 Avoid over fertilization  
Physical control of aquatic 
weeds and macrophytes  
Recycling of water a nd use 
of aerators  
Proper water exchange that 
is, replacing some water 
with fresh water  
Avoid over stocking reduce 
the feed until CO 2 levels are 
lowered to acceptable limits  Less than 5  mg/l 
Ammonia (NH 3) Fish scraping on the pond 
walls  
Gill damage  
Damage to mucus 
producing membranes  
Poor feed conversion  Increase pond aeration  
Proper water exchange by 
replacing some water with 
fresh water  
Addition of liming agent ( for 
example, quick lime), only Less 0.05  mg/l DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 2023 — All rights reserved  36 
 Parameter  Deficiency symptom  Corrective measure  Recommended 
range  
Reduced growth  
Mortalities at extremes  effective in ponds with 
alkalinity  
Avoid over fertilization  
Nitrite (NO 2) the 
invisible killer  Brown blood and gills 
(oxidi zed haemoglobin)  
Damage to nervous 
system, spleen, liver and 
kidney  
Reduced feed intake  
Mortalities  Stop feeding  
Increase aeration to the 
maximum  
Recycling of water and use 
of aerators  
Proper water exchange  
Avoid over fertilization  
Avoid overstocking  
Adding chlorides (for 
example, common salt)  Less 0.5  mg/l 
Turbidity/t ransp
arency  Very poor light 
penetration/clarity  
Gill damage  
Damage to mucus 
producing membranes  
Reduced feed intake  
Mortalities at extremes  Regular dredging of ponds  
Proper water exchange  
Addition of liming agent ( for 
example, quicklime @ 20  
mg/l and gypsum on entire 
pond surface (200 kg/1000  
m3) 
Avoid over  fertili zation  30 cm – 40 cm 
(optimum primary 
productivity)  
 
 
 
  DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23— All rights reserved  37  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY  
 
Aquatic Health Code , World Organisation for Animal  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1106:20 23(E) 
© ARSO 20 23 — All rights reserved