PHILIPPINE NATION AL STANDARD                                         PNS/BAFS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
1 
  
 
1 Scope  
 
The Philippine  National Standard for Organic Aquaculture establishes the guidelines for the 
operation of organic aquaculture  in different aquatic environments (fresh, brackish and marine) 
and the production of quality fishery products that are safeguarded from contamination of 
harmful and toxic chemical substances and use of artificial ingredients, from pre -production to 
marketi ng to enhance food safety for human consumption and to provide options to 
consumers/markets.  
 
This Standard focuses on minimum requirements for the management of aquatic animals and 
plants in order for the product to be labeled as Certified Organic.  
 
2 References  
 
The titles of the publications referred to in this Standard are listed in the inside back cover.  
 
3 Definitions  
 
For purposes of this Standard, the following definitions shall apply:  
 
3.1 
aquaculture1 
fishery  operation involving the breeding and farming of fish and fishery species in fresh, 
brackish and marine water areas  
 
3.1.1 
freshwater aquaculture  
fishery  operation involving the raising and culturing of fish in a water body originating 
from lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers having a salinity from 0 to 0.5 parts per 
thousand   
 
 3.1.2   
 brackishwater aquaculture  
farming of aquatic plants and animals in confined waters along the shoreline  where the 
salinity maybe highly variable within each year from near freshwater during rainy 
season up to seawater or even higher during dry season  
 
 3.1.3 
 mariculture  
farming of aquatic plants and animals in unconfined  open waters of the sea including 
bays, coves and estuaries regardless of actual salinity level or depth   
 
 3.1.4 
 extensive aquaculture system  
also known as traditional aquaculture, low stocking density (Annex 1),depend basically 
on available natural food in the culture facility  
 
 
__________________  
1 The terms breeding, farming, raising and culturing in the definitions of aquaculture are synonymous   
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
2 
  
 
 3.1.5 
 semi -intensive aquaculture system  
higher stocking density (Annex 1), depend on natural food which is increased over 
baseline levels by fertilization and use of supplementary feed  
 
3.2 
aquatic plants  
plants that must grow in water whether rooted i n the mud or floating without anchorage, plants 
that must complete part or all of their life cycle in or near the water  
 
3.2.1  
macroalgae/seaweed  
any of a large number of marine benthic algae. They are macroscopic, multicellular, 
and macrothallic, in contrast to most other algae  
 
3.2.2  
microalgae  
small microscopic aquatic photosynthetic plants. Microalgae are also called 
phytoplankton  
 
3.3 
artificial ingredient  
synthetically  produced or are found in nature but manufactured artificially and produced more 
economically, with greater purity and more consistent quality, than their natural counterparts  
 
3.4 
biodiversity  
the variety of life forms and ecosystem types on Earth. Includes genetic diversity (i.e. diversity 
within species), species diversity (i.e. the number and variety of species) and ecosystem 
diversity (total number of ecosystem types)  
 
3.5  
carrying capacity  
the maximum size of population of a given species that can be supported in a given area or 
volume of a body of water which will not lead to the deterioration thereof  
 
3.6 
certification  
refers to  the procedure by which Organic Certifying  Bodies  (OCB)  provide written or 
equivalent assurance that foods or food control systems conform to requirements or standards 
of the NOAB  
 
3.7 
conventional aquaculture  
farming  systems using artificial feeds, inorganic fertilizers and/or pesticides or failing to 
conform to this standard in any other way  
 
 
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
3 
  
 
3.8 
conversion  
the act of changing  an aquaculture  system from traditional/conventional to organic. This covers 
what is so metimes known as transition  
 
3.9 
conversion period  
the time between the start of the organic management and the certification of aquaculture 
products as organic  
 
3.10  
ecological footprint  
a calculation that estimates the area of the Earth’s productive lan d and water required to supply 
the resources than an individual or group demands, as well as to absorb the wastes that the 
individual or group produces  
 
3.11 
endemic species  
species restricted or native to a particular region  
 
3.12 
exotic species  
species  that are introduced or non -native; foreign  
 
3.13 
genetically modified organisms (GMOs)  
refers to organisms that posses s a novel combination of genetic materials obtained through the 
use of modern bio -technology  
 
3.14 
homeopathic treatment  
treatment of dis ease based on administration of remedies prepared through successive dilutions 
of a substance that in larger amounts produces symptoms in healthy subjects similar to those 
of the disease itself 
 
3.15 
indigenous species  
species  that are native and occur naturally to a number of places at once  
 
3.16 
inoculums  
cells used in an inoculation, such as cells added to start a culture  
 
3.17 
licensing  
means the process of approval of an application to operate or establish an establishment prior 
to engaging in the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offer for sale, distribution, 
transfer, and where applicable the use, testing, promotion, advertisement, and/or sponsorship 
of products  
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
4 
  
 
3.18 
official accreditation  
Refer s to the procedure by which DA -BAFS having jurisdiction over OCB formally recognizes 
the competence of an inspection and/or certification body to provide inspection and 
certification services. Official Accreditation is issued by DA -BAFS.  
 
3.19 
organic  
refers to the particular farming and processing systems, described in the standards and not in 
the classical chemical sense. The term “organic” is synonymous in other languages to 
“biological” or “ecological”  
 
3.20 
parallel production  
any production where the same unit is growing, breeding, handling or processing the same 
products in both a certified organic system and a non -certified or non -organic system. A 
situation with “organic” and “in conversion” production of the same product is also parallel 
produc tion. Parallel production is a special instance of split production  
 
3.21 
polyploid organism  
an organism having more than the diploid number of chromosomes  
 
3.22 
registration  
means the process of approval of an application to register  products prior to en gaging in the 
manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offer for sale, distribution, transfer, and where 
applicable, the use, testing, promotion, advertisement, and/or sponsorship of products  
 
3.23 
standards  
are norms, sets of guidelines, requirements and principles that are used as in organic 
aquaculture and processing. The term “standards” as used here refers to Philippine National 
Standards for Organic Aquaculture relevant to local aquatic ecosystems productio n 
 
3.24 
sustainable aquaculture  
the management of aquaculture and the orientation of technological and institutional change to 
ensure the attainment and continued satisfaction of human needs for present and future 
generations  
 
3.25 
veterinary drugs  
any substance applied or administered to any food -producing animal, such as meat or milk -
producing animals, poultry, fish or bees, whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or 
diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological functions or behaviour . 
 
 
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
5 
  
 
4 General principles 
 
4.1 Organic aquaculture is a strategic approach to develop and manage  farms in a manner 
that conforms to the ecosystem approach by integrating aquaculture within the wider ecosystem 
to promote sustainability.  
 
4.2 It is carried o ut in such a manner that produces the least effect on local biological and 
ecological processes and promotes environmental integrity.  
 
4.3 It complies with all fishery and related environmental laws,  such as FAO Code of 
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, FAO Aquaculture Certification Guidelines, EU 
Commission Regulation (EC) No. 710/2009 and other related international guidelines,  Code of 
Aquaculture Practices (BFAR FAO 214) and social/ ethical standards including but not limited 
to applicable HACCP princi ples in aquaculture.  
 
4.4 It ensures the integrity of organisms from source until its final destination, minimizing 
inputs using artificial ingredients and prohibiting genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  
 
4.5 It strives to preserve the endemic species while exercising utmost precaution in the 
introduction of exotic ones.  
 
4.6 It promotes the health and welfare of the organisms by minimizing stress, 
reducing/eradicating the incidence of disease, and trying to meet their physiological and 
behavioural need s. 
 
4.7 It promotes a safe, healthy and sustainable working environment for workers.  
 
4.8 It integrates sound and adequate systems of documentation and tracking for purposes 
of traceability.  
 
5 Minimum requirements  
 
Practices for organic aquaculture shall meet the following requirements:  
 
5.1 Documentation  
 
Organic aquaculture management plan that describes in detail:  
 
5.1.1  Suitability of the site, site description, health condition of immediate marine habitats 
and available  information on ecological footp rint and carrying capacity of the resource system;  
 
5.1.2 Farm size, design and layout and source of water;  
 
5.1.3  Water management;  
 
5.1.4  Location of adjacent conventional fish farms and potential sources of contaminants;  
 
5.1.5 Biodiversity conservation;  
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
6 
  
 
5.1.6  Pre-production and production system (broodstock and fry selection, production 
calendar, pond preparation, fertilization, control of predators, etc.);  
 
5.1.7  Production targets;  
 
5.1.8  Inputs used, quantity and sources applied per unit area or volume;  
 
5.1.9 Management of aquaculture stock per production cycle as determined by the competent 
authority for every production unit:  
 
a. Stocking and harvest [ stocking density based on species and culture system  (Annex 1), 
average body weight, survival rate and volume  of production per unit area or volume];  
 
b. Feed type and feeding management [ frequency, rate and target feed conversion ratio 
(FCR)];  
 
c. Record and probable cause of mortality during the culture period; and  
 
d. Cleaning agents and disinfectants used (chemical type, product name, quantity and 
duration/frequency of use).  
 
5.1.10  Fish health management (disease occurring in the locality and disease management 
practice employed);  
 
5.1.11  Biosecurity measures to insu late the organic system from contamination risks;  
 
5.1.12  Harvest and post -harvest practices;  
 
5.1.13  Transport, storage facilities and storage practices;  
 
5.1.14  Past use of the site with respect to waste, sediments and water quality; and 
 
5.1.15  Applic able laws and existing regulations especially those pertaining to mangrove 
protection and reforestation and fisheries conservation.  
 
5.2 Conversion to organic aquaculture  
 
5.2.1  Conversion period from  extensive, semi -intensive and intensive culture systems  shall be 
at least one (1) production cycle subject to the condition of the pond.   
  
5.2.2  In cases where the water has been drained and the facility cleaned and disinfected with 
permitted cleaning materials a conversion period is not required, subject to the result of the 
laboratory analysis. During the conversion period the stock should not be subject to treatments 
or exposed to products which are not permitted for the production of organic foods.  
 
5.2.3  Operators should make sure that conversion to organ ic aquaculture addresses 
environmental factors, and past use of the site with respect to waste, sediments and water 
quality.  
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
7 
  
 
5.2.4  Before products from a farm can be certified as organic, inspection shall have been 
carried out during the conversion period. 
 
5.2.4  An inspection is required before an individual farmer or enterprise shall be granted a 
certificate. An initial assessment may be required to determine if the farm is compliant to 
organic aquaculture standards. If the farm meets the minimum r equirements, the inspection and 
certification processes can proceed. The length of the conversion period shall be based on the 
results of the pre -assessment. During the conversion period, products cannot be sold as certified 
organic but as products as in c onversion.  
 
5.2.5  Once the conversion  production  cycle has been completed in a single unit, subsequent 
production cycles in the same, or different  units may be developed as certified organic, 
provided an application is made, all standards are adhered to, a nd records are kept for 
inspection.  
 
5.3 Parallel production 
 
5.3.1  In open water systems, conventional and organic production units must be well 
separated by a minimum of 50 meters, provided no direct current flow or tidal influence should 
be considered in the positioning of both installations to avoid water effluent or direct 
contamination.   
 
5.3.2  For land -based installations, there must be physical barriers such that water cannot 
circulate between organically certified and conventional units.  
 
5.3.3  Feed and other input supplies for the different production methods must be clearly 
labeled and separated with physical barriers such as partition or wall.  
 
5.3.4  Preparation of farm -made feeds for the different production methods should be kept 
separated in terms of space and/or  time.  
 
5.3.5  If a unit is switched from organic to conventional management at any point in the 
growing cycle, the affected organisms cannot be sold as organic. 
 
5.3.6  Adequate documentation must be available for inspection for both pr oduction systems. 
 
5.3.7  There should be a dedicated  farm manager/personnel for certified organic  farms.  
 
5.4 Selection of site, interaction with surrounding ecosystem  
 
5.4.1  Compliant to applicable environmental and fishery laws and existing regulations such 
as, but not limited to  the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) Fisheries 
Administrative Order (FAO) 214: Code of Practice for Aquaculture, Sec. 2. Site 
selection/evaluation.  
 
5.4.2  In case of installation of new or improvement of already existing  projects/farms, this 
shall not cause irreversible damage to natural vegetation in the area. On the contrary, 
conservation and reforestation of mangroves is encouraged where applicable. 
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
8 
  
 
5.4.3 For open water environments the prevailing natural ecological balance shall remain 
significantly undisturbed and the natural populations are not endangered.  
 
5.4.4  Water sources shall have minimal or no contaminants such as antibiotics, bio -
contaminants , heavy metals, hormone disrupting chemicals, pesticides, and radioactive 
substances2 (Annex 2), as determined through testing at least once a year or every renewal of 
the organic certification.  
 
5.4.5  Aquatic ecosystems shall be managed to comply with rel evant requirements of organic 
ecosystems3. 
 
5.4.6  Operators shall take adequate measure to prevent escapes of introduced or cultivated 
species and document any that are known to occur.  
 
5.4.7  Water discharged from farming operation shall be treated or mana ged to prevent 
excessive nutrient build up either on or off site to the operation  in compliance to the Department 
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 35 s. 1990 – Revised 
Effluent Regulations of 1990, Revising and Amending the Effluent Regulations of 1982.  
 
5.4.8  A treatment or settling pond is recommended for land -based organic farms for water 
that will be directly discharged to open waters.  
 
5.4.9  Construction material of tanks,  dikes or cages shall not pose contamination  risks to 
water.  
 
5.4.10  For grow -out, construction materials and production equipment containing paints, basic 
materials, or impregnating materials with toxic chemical agents shall be prohibited. This 
includes copper anti -fouling agents and net -dips.  
 
5.4.11  All equipment shall be regularly maintained to ensure its structural integrity and this 
information should be properly recorded.  
 
_____________  
2 Based from the European Atomic Energy Act as cited by European Nuclear Society radioactive substances 
are: 
a. nuclear fuels, i.e.  
i) plutonium 239 and plutonium 241,  
ii) uranium enriched with the isotopes 235 or 233,  
iii) any substance containing one or several of the substances mentioned in a) and b),  
iv) substances which can be used in a suitable plant to maintain a chain reaction which initiates its 
own repetition and which are determined in an ordinance having the force of law.  
b. other radioactive substances which - without being nuclear fuel -,  
i) spontaneously emit ionizing rays,  
ii) contain one or several of the substances men tioned in a) or are contaminated with such 
substance  
c. at least five percent of the perimeter (“land -water interface”) area shall have natural vegetation.  
 
3 Based from IFOAM standard for organic ecosystem, a farm should place appropriate areas under its 
management in wildlife refuge habitat. These include:  
a. waterways, pools, springs, ditches, floodplains, wetlands, swamps and other water rich areas which 
are not used for intensive agriculture or aquaculture production;  
b. areas with ruderal flora; and  
c. wildlife  corridors that provide linkages and connectivity to native habitat.  
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
9 
  
 
5.4.12  The use of life support system will be allowed depending upon the approval of the 
Competent Authority.  
 
5.4.1 3 An organic aquaculture farm/project shall preferably be constructed in areas upstream 
of the water source.  
 
5.4.1 4 Rearing units on land shall meet the following conditions: 4 
 
a. for flow -through systems it shall be possible to monitor and control the flow ra te and 
water quality of both in -flowing and out -flowing water;  
 
5.5 Organic fertilization  
 
The application of organic material as fertilizer must comply with the Philippine National 
Standard for Organic Fertilizer (PNS/BAFPS 40:2008) or must seek prior ap proval from the 
accredited certifying body.  
 
5.6 Aquatic plants  
 
5.6.1  Aquatic plant production shall comply with the relevant requirements of organic 
ecosystems and crop production.  
 
5.6.2  Distance of contamination sources, whether chemical, biological or  radioactive, shall 
be assessed at the time of inspection. 
 
A. Seaweed  (Kappaphycus spp., Eucheuma spp., Gracilaria spp., etc.)  
 
5.6.3  Seaweed  shall be grown in areas that satisfy the minimum requirements for growth. In 
addition to this:  
 
a. sustainable practices shall be used in all stages of production, from collection of 
seaweed propagules to harvesting; and  
 
b. to maintain good quality planting materials, the collection in the wild should be done 
in a sustainable manner.  
 
B. Microalgae  (Spiru linaspp.,Chlorellaspp., Dunaliellaspp., etc.)  
 
5.6.4  Seawater used for microalgae culture should be free of other organisms that may 
compete with the microalgae, such as other species of phytoplankton, phytophagous 
zooplankton, or bacteria.  
 
5.6.5  Only physical sterilization such as filtration, autoclaving, pasteurization, UV treatment 
for seawater is allowed.  
 
5.6.6  Algae can be cultured in controlled water systems and  photo bioreactors  (such as tanks , 
polyethylene  sleeves or bags, glass or plastic  tubes ). 
 
 
4 Based from the EC No. 710/2009, Article 25g 2   
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
10 
  
 
5.6.7  Algal inoculum or seed for new culture shall be sourced from algal production.  
 
5.7 Aquatic animal sources/origin  
 
5.7.1  Indigenous species in the country/locality shall be preferred.  
 
5.7.2  Aquatic animals shall be raised organically from hatching.  
 
5.7.3  If organic animals are not available, animals from registered hatcheries can be used, 
provided that they spend the last two thirds of their  life span in the organic system. 
 
5.7.4  Operators shall not utilize polyploid organisms  or monosex stock or stock having 
undergone sex reversal resulting from hormonal treatment and/or genetic engineering/ 
manipulation.  
 
5.7.5  Wild larvae of fish and crus tacean shall be allowed for stocking when there is a passive 
inflow when the ponds or other aquaculture constructions are refilled. Mollusk larvae are also 
allowed for stocking if they have settled on substrate which has been specially introduced for 
this purpose.  
 
5.7.6  Post larvae/juveniles of fish, mollusk and crustacean collected in the wild shall also be 
allowed for stocking and raising using organic methods.  
 
5.8 Breeding and hatchery management  
 
5.8.1 The Competent Authority should decide whether or not to approve closed recirculation 
systems or the use of life -support systems after a thorough examination and evaluation of the 
total environmental viability and compatibility with organic production.  
 
5.8.2  Breeding should reflect the natural environmen t as closely as possible, in terms of 
ambient conditions appropriate for the type of species. Manual sorting/sexing or selection,  
stripping of gametes and incubation of eggs are allowed. [Chemically induced  polyploidy ], 
cloning, [artificial hybridization [and use of single sex strains ] are prohibited].  
 
5.8.3  For natural reproduction or spawning, the use of fresh pituitary gland, even from the 
same species is not allowed except for species such as catfish, including Pangasius spp., and 
carp that do not spa wn naturally in captivity.  
 
5.8.4  Broodstock shall come from a registered organic hatchery.  
 
5.8.5  Wild sourced broodstock shall also be allowed in accordance with BFAR regulations.  
 
5.8.6  Hatcheries shall be  registered by BFAR.  
 
5.9 Aquatic animal nutrition  and feeding  
 
5.9.1  Animals shall be fed organic feed.  
 
a. Operators may feed a limited percentage of non -organic feed under specific conditions 
for a limited time in the following cases:   
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
11 
  
 
i) Inadequate quantity or quality of organic feed only during first one third culture 
period of the species);  
 
ii) Areas where organic aquaculture is in early stages of development.  
 
In no case may the percentage of non -organic feed of agricultural origin exceed 20% 
dry matter calculated on per production cycle  basis.  
 
b. Operators may use non -organic aquatic animal protein and oil sources provided they:  
 
i) shall be harvested from independently verified sustainable sources;  
 
ii) shall be verified to have contamination levels below limits established by the 
standard -setting body,  and 
 
iii) shall not constitute  100%  of the diet.  
 
c. The standard -setting or certifying body  shall set the following:  
 
i) appropriate percentage requirement of organic ingredient as diet;  
 
ii) implementation date for requiring at least 50 % of diet be of organic 
ingredients.  
 
5.9.2  The following substances are prohibited in the diet: 
 
a. farm animal by -products (e.g. abattoir waste) of ruminants;  
 
b. slaughter products of the same species;  
 
c. all types of excrements including droppings, dung or other manure;  
 
d. feed subjected to solvent extraction (e.g. hexane) or the addition of other chemical 
agents;  
 
e. amino -acid isolates;  
 
f. urea and other synthetic nitrogen compounds;  
 
g. synthetic growth promoters or stimulants;  
 
h. synthetic appetite stimulants;  
 
i. artificial preservatives; and  
 
j. artificial coloring agents.  
 
k. use of wild fish juveniles as ‘trash fish’  
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
12 
  
 
5.9.3  Synthetic vitamins, minerals and supplements may be used when natural sources are 
not available . 
 
5.9.4  Feed  containing genetically modified organisms  (GMO) or their products are not 
allowed.  
 
5.9.5  Feeding of natural pigments (e.g. in the form of shrimps shells or Phaffia  yeast) is 
permitted. This must be limited to the degree of pigmentation found under natural 
circumstances.  
 
5.9.6  The diet for aquatic animals shall meet the nutritional requirements of the species.  
 
5.9.7  Feed applied shall promote the natural feeding behaviour of the species and shall be 
calculated as per body weight requirement to minimize excess feeds that may pollute the  
environment.  
 
5.9.8  The use of wild fish juveniles as ‘trash fish’ for aquaculture feeds shall not be allowed. 
 
5.10 Aquatic animal health and welfare  
 
5.10.1  The use of veterinary drugs  should be limited to two courses of treatment per production 
cycle, with the exception of vaccines and compulsory eradication schemes (need to be 
qualified). If the specified limits are exceeded the aquaculture animals concerned should not 
be sold as organ ic.  
 
5.10.2  Use of synthetic hormones, growth promoters or growth -enhancing substances as well 
as other synthetic feed additives (e.g. synthetic amino -acids, chemo -synthetic pigments) to 
artificially stimulate growth or reproduction shall be prohibited.  
 
5.10.3  Disease and pest control shall take the form of proactive best/good management 
practices. In the event of critical (non -routine) prohibited input use, stocks in the treated 
sections  shall no longer be certified as organic. Treatment with prohibited substances shall not 
affect certification of the  entire operation but only in instances where no transmission occurs 
to other stocks.  
 
5.10.4  In any production system where use of antibiotics or other prohibited treatments may 
be necessary, treated stock m ust be withdrawn from the certified organic production stream 
and may only be marketed as conventional product. 
 
5.10.5  Emergency harvest  must be considered as an alternative action or method to avoid use 
of drug treatment. Harvest shall be marketed as a conventional product if fit for human 
consumption. 
 
5.10.6  When treatment is necessary, the use of natural methods and medicines must be first 
choice. Disease treatment must be carried out at once/immediately so that it minimizes harmful 
effects on the env ironment and the animals’ health.   
 
5.10.7  Permitted treatments may be used as prophylactics or routine but within the framework 
of statutory regulations such as: 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
13 
  
 
(i) use of natural physical methods (in particular drying out, freezing out);  
 
(ii) use of non -residue building, inorganic compounds e.g hydrogen peroxide 
(H2O2), common salt (NaCl), lime (CaCO 3), quicklime (CaO), calcium 
hydroxide [Ca(OH) 2], sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl);  
 
iii) use of naturally occurring, non -residue building organic compounds (e. g. per -
acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, alcohol);  
 
iv) use of naturally occurring plant substances (in particular Labiate and Allium  
species; rotenone from Derris spp ., Lonchocarpus spp.  or Tephrosia spp .; 
saponin from Camella; extracts from Azadirachta  indica  (neem tree), oil 
emulsions (free of synthetic chemical insecticides) on the basis of paraffin oils, 
mineral oils and vegetable oils, pyrethrum extracts from Chrysanthemum 
cinerariaefolium  (synthetic pyrethroids and synergists are prohibited) and 
quassia from Quassiaamare ; 
 
v) preparations of viruses, fungi and beneficial bacteria (e.g. Bacillus thuringensis ) 
and other forms of probiotics; and  
 
vi) use of homeopathic products.  
 
5.10.8  The stock shall be regularly inspected with respect to its status of health. Dead 
organisms shall be removed from the holding system immediately.  
 
5.10.9  Operators shall manage the operation and routinely monitor water quality, stocking 
densities, health and behavior of stock.  
 
5.10.10  Certified organic fish shall not come in contact with uncertified stock during their life 
cycle.  
 
5.10.11 Construction material of tanks, dams or cages shall not pose contamination risks to 
stock and shall enable the species in question to satisfy its nat ural behavioral patterns in the 
culture environment. 
 
5.11 Harvesting, post -harvest handling, transport and processing 
 
5.11.1  Existing applicable provisions of OIE, EC and CODEX shall be followed.  
 
5.11.2  Harvest of aquatic plants shall not disrupt the ec osystem or degrade the collection area 
or the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environment.  
 
5.11.3  Harvesting shall have minimal negative impact on other natural species.  
 
5.11.4  Harvesting, handling and transporting of live organisms must be done wit h minimal 
stress and injury to the organisms  and must meet species -specific physiological needs.  
 
5.11.5  Good water quality must be maintained during transport. Live organisms must be 
secured and overcrowding avoided.  
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
14 
  
 
5.11.6  Post-harvest handling and p rocessing must follow the standards for post - harvest 
hygiene and handling practices to maintain the quality of the product. The use of synthetic 
preservatives must not be allowed.  
 
5.11.7  Water and ice used must be of good quality and meet the public heal th standard.  
 
5.11.8  Operators must ensure that equipment/method used to stun/shock animals is sufficient 
to produce numbness and/or kill the organism.  
 
5.11.9  Transportation equipment and/or materials must comply with the existing national and 
international regulation with respect to environmental considerations and must not contaminate 
the product.  
 
5.12 Storage  
 
5.12.1  Organic and conventional aquaculture products must be stored separately to avoid co -
mingling.  
 
5.12.2  Inputs and equipment storage facilities must be well -ventilated and always kept 
thoroughly pest -free and clean from decaying wastes, slime and foul smell. 
 
5.12.3  Only recommended disinfectants (Annex 3) and clean water must be used in cleaning 
storage facilities and equipment . 
 
5.13 Social aspect  
 
5.13.1  The employment of women and minors must be in accordance with current labor 
standards . 
 
5.13.2  Wages/salaries and benefits must comply with the rates prescribed by the Regional 
Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) of the Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE). 
 
5.13.3  Employment of minors in hazardous activities  must be prohibited.  
 
5.13.4  Wage discrimination because of age and gender must be prohibited.  
 
5.13.5  Organic farms  shall demonstrate equal rights for land and water use, not deny local 
communities access to public mangrove areas, fishing grounds and public resources.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
15 
  
Annex 1  
 
Stocking Density Based on Species and Culture Systems5 
 
 Species  Stocking 
Density    
(Grow -out) Culture System  Remarks  
1. Milkfish,  
Chanos  chanos  
 Pond:  
3,000 to 5,000 
pcs/ha  Extensive/Semi -
intensive  -with large shallow pond 
units, tidal water exchange, 
natural food, minimal use of 
fertilizer alternating with 
organic  feed and other inputs  
 
Pen: 
5,000 to 
10,000 pcs/ha  Extensive  -with supplemental organic 
feed 
Cage:  
10 to 30 pcs/m3 
 Semi -intensive  - with organic feed  
2. Nile Tilapia, Oreo  
chromis  niloticus  
 
 Pond:  
1 to 4 pcs/m2 Extensive/Semi -
intensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
 
Cage:  
10to 35 pcs/m3  
Semi -intensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
3. Striped Catfish, 
Pangasius  
hypophthalmus  Pond:  
1 to 4 pcs/m2 Extensive/semi -
intensive   
with supplemental organic 
feed 
4. Bighead Carp, 
Hypophthalmichthys
nobilis  10,000 pcs/ha  Polyculture in 
alternate 
cropping w/ 
milkfish in ponds  -as major  species  
5,000 pcs/ha  Polyculture in 
alternate 
cropping w/ 
milkfish in pens  -as secondary species, 
depending on the size and 
fertility of the water body  
 
5. Giant Gourami  
 1-2pcs/m2 In ponds  
 with supplemental organic 
feed 
6. Common Carp  1-2 pcs/m2 In ponds   
7. Orange Spotted 
Grouper ,  
Epinephelus  coioides  
Snapper a nd Seabass  Pond:  
500 to 1,000 
pcs/ha  
(~6 cm TL)  Polyculture with 
Tilapia 
(Oreochromismos
sambicus)  with supplemental orga nic 
feed 
Cage:  
5 to 10 pcs/m3 
 Semi -intensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
8. Giant Tiger 
Prawn, Penaeus  
monodon  
 2 pcs/m2 Extensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
5 to 20 pcs/m2 Semi -intensive  with supplemental organic 
feed  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
16 
  
_____________________  
5 Based from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Fisheries 
and Aquaculture Department 2011 – Cultured Aquatic Information Programme  
(http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/search/en); and Bureau of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture (BFAR -DA).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9. Giant River 
Prawn, 
Macrobrachium  
rosenbergii  
rosenbergii  and M. 
rosenbergii 
dacquetti  1to 3 pcs/m2 Extensive / 
Polyculture 
w/Tilapia  
 with supplemental organic 
feed 
4 to 7 pcs/m2 
  Semi-intensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
10. White  leg 
Shrimp, Litopenaeus  
vannamei  
 4 to 10 pcs/m2 Extensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
10 to 30 pcs/m2 Semi -intensive  with supplemental organic 
feed 
11. Mangrove Crab  
Scylla  serrata  
S. olivacea  
S. tranquebarica  500-
2000pcs/ha  Polyculture with 
milkfish and 
Grouper juvenile 
in  pond  
 with supplemental organic 
feed 
12.Siganid  spp 
Siganus  guttatus  
S. vermiculatus  Pond:  
1000 -2000 
pcs/ha  Polyculture with 
milkfish and 
shrimps in pond  
 with supplemental organic 
feed 
Cage:  
0.5-1pc/m3 Polyculture with 
milkfish  
 with supplemental organic 
feed 
 Cage  
5pcs/m3 monoculture  with supplemental organic 
feed  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
17 
  
Annex 2  
 
Water Quality Criteria for Pollutants, Toxic and Other Deleterious  
Substances for Fresh, Coastal and Marine Waters  
(For the Protection of Public Health)6 
 
 
PARAMETER     
(Maximum Limits)  UNI
T FRESHWATE
RS COASTAL & MARINE WATERS  
 Class 
C Class 
D Class 
SA Class  
SB Class  
SC Class  
SD 
Arsenic(a) mg/L  0.05 0.1 0.05 0.05 0.05 -- 
Cadmium(a) mg/L  0.01 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.01 -- 
Chromium(a)(hexavalent
) mg/L  0.05 0.1 0.05 0.1 0.1 -- 
Cyanide  mg/L  0.05 -- 0.05 0.05 0.05 -- 
Lead(a) mg/L  0.05 0.5 0.05 0.05 0.05 -- 
Total Mercury(a) mg/L  0.002  0.002  0.002  0.002  0.002  -- 
Organo -phosphate  mg/L  Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil -- 
Aldrin  mg/L  -- -- 0.001  -- -- -- 
DDT  mg/L  -- -- 0.05 -- -- -- 
Dieldrin  mg/L  -- -- 0.001  -- -- -- 
Heptachlor  mg/L  -- -- Nil -- -- -- 
Lindane  mg/L  -- -- 0.004  -- -- -- 
Toxaphane  mg/L  -- -- 0.005  -- -- -- 
Methoxychlor  mg/L  -- -- 0.10 -- -- -- 
Chlordane  mg/L  -- -- 0.003  -- -- -- 
Endrin  mg/L  -- -- Nil -- -- -- 
PCB  mg/L  -- -- 0.001  -- -- -- 
Surfactants (MBAS)  mg/L  0.05 -- 0.2 0.3 0.5 -- 
Oil/Grease (Petroleum 
Ether Extract)  mg/L  2 5 1 2 3 5 
Phenolic Substances    
as Phenols  mg/L  0.02(b) -- nil  0.01 (b) -- 
Total Coiliforms  MPN/  
100m
l 5000(c) -- 70(c) 1000(c) 1000(c) -- 
Fecal Coliforms  MPN/  
100m
l -- -- nil  200(c) -- -- 
Copper  mg/L  0.05(e) -- -- 0.02(d)(e) 0.0(e) -- 
 
Legend:  
Class C – fishery water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic 
resources.  
 
Class D – other inland waters, by their quality, belong to this classification.  
 
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
18 
  
Annex 2 (Cont…)  
 
Class SA – waters suitable for the propagation, survival and harvesting of shellfish for 
commercial purposes.  
 
Class SB – fishery water Class I (spawning areas for Chanos  chanos or Bangus and 
similar species).  
 
Class SC – fishery water class II (commercial and sustenance fishing).  
 
Class SD – other coastal and marine waters, by th eir quality, belong to this 
classification.  
 
(a) – do not apply if natural background is higher in concentration. The latter will 
prevail and will be used as baseline.  
 
(b) – not present in concentrations to affect fish flavor/taste.  
 
(c) – these values refer to the geometric mean of the most probable number of 
coliform organism during a 3 -month period and that the limit indicated shall not be 
exceeded in 20 percent of the samples taken during the same period.  
 
(d) – for spawning areas of Chanoschanos  and other similar species.  
 
(e) – limit is in terms of dissolved copper.  
 
nil – extremely low concentration and not detectable by existing equipment.  
 
-- - means the standard of these substances are not considered necessary for the 
present time, considering t he stage of the country’s development and DENR 
capabilities, equipment and resources.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_____________________  
6 Based from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
Administrative Order No. 34 s. 1990 (March 20, 1990). Revised Water Usage and 
Classification/Water Quality Criteria Amending Section Nos. 68 and 69, Chapter III of 
the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations.  
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
19 
  
Annex 3  
 
Recommended Disinfectants and Their Use7 
 
DISINFECTA
NT SURFAC
ES CONCE
N-
TRATIO
N CONTAC
T TIME  DISPOSA
L PROS  AND 
CONS  
A. Low Level Disinfectants:  Kill most vegetative bacteria, some fungus, some enveloped 
viruses, do not kill mycobacteria or bacterial spores.  
Benzalkonium 
chloride 
(QAC)  Plastics, 
floors, 
counter 
tops 500 ppm  10 min 
(except as 
noted)  unknown  Pros:  easily 
accessible, non -
corrosive  
Cons:  highly toxic 
to fish, disposal 
issues, not labeled 
for aquatic use, 
bath type use  
Didecyl 
dimethyl 
ammonium 
chloride 
(QAC)  Plastics, 
floors, 
counter 
tops 400 ppm  5 min 
(except as 
noted)  unknown  Pros:  non-
corros ive, no rinse 
spray on  
Cons:  disposal 
issues, hard to find, 
not labeled for 
aquatic use  
Phenols  
(Lysol, 
Pinesol)  Hard 
surfaces   15 min  unknown  Pros:  common 
household products  
Cons:  not labeled 
for use of field 
gear, irritating to 
skin, must rinse  
 
B. Intermediate Level Disinfectants:  Kill vegetative bacteria, most viruses and most 
fungi, but not resistant bacterial spores.  
Chlorine  All 
surfaces 
except 
plastics  200 – 500 
ppm 10 – 60 
min neutralize 
with 
sodium 
thiosulfate  Pros:  works well, 
inexpensive, readily 
available  
Cons:  highly 
corrosive, odors, 
human toxicity  
Virkon 
Aquatic  Waders, 
boots, 
boats, nets, 
all field 
gear  0.5 – 1%  5 – 30 min 
(except as 
noted)  dilute, 
pour on 
ground 
away from 
surface 
waters  Pros:  non-
corrosiv e, 
considered 
environmentally 
safe, biodegradable, 
can use as a no -
rinse spray on  
Cons:  cost, efficacy 
not determined for 
some pathogens  
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
20 
  
 
Annex 3 (Cont…)  
 
DISINFECTA
NT SURFAC
ES CONCE
N-
TRATIO
N CONTAC
T TIME  DISPOSA
L PROS AND CONS  
B. Intermediate Level Disinfectants…  
Ethyl Alcohol  
  
 
Hands, 
tools, 
counter 
tops 70 – 80%    
 
 
 
unknown  Pros:  readily 
available  
Cons:  evaporates 
quickly and may not 
get proper contact 
time, expensive, not 
good for field 
equipment, fixes 
organics to hard 
surfaces, inactivated 
by sunlight, 
flammable  Isoprophyl 
Alcohol  60 – 80% 10 – 30 
min   
(except as 
noted)  
Iodine  Better as 
antiseptic 
for tissues  100 – 250 
ppm 20 – 30 
min Neutralize 
with 
sodium 
thiosulfate  Pros:  antiseptic, 
inexpensive  
Cons:  corrosive to 
metals, stains, long 
contact time, cannot 
over concentrate, 
highly toxic to 
aquatic animals  
 
C. High Level Disinfectants:  Destroy vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria (TB), fungi, 
enveloped (lipid or hydrophilic) and non enveloped virus (non lipid), but not necessarily 
bacterial spores. Must be capable of sterilization when contact time is extended.  
Hydrogen 
Peroxide   3 – 5% 5 min 
(except as 
noted)  unknown  Pros: can add to 
QACs and iodine to 
make them more 
effective  
Cons:  destroys soft 
tissues when over 
exposed  
Peroxigard   1:16  unknown  Pros: no-rinse spray 
on 
Formaldehyde  Better 
when 
mixed 
with 
alcohol  1 – 3%  Titrations  Pros:  easily 
accessible  
Cons:  highly toxic, 
odors, personal 
protective gear 
required to protect 
applicator  
D. Other Disinfection Options:  
Heat     NA  
Ozone   8 ppm  3 min     
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
21 
 pH  >12 or <4  >4 hr    
Complete 
Drying   >20oC    
 
______ ___________ __ 
7 Source: American Fisheries Society (AFS) Fisheries Culture Section 2011. Guide to 
Using Drugs, Biologics and Other Chemicals in Aquaculture. AFS February 2011.  
 (http://www.fishculturesection.org/DrugGuide/Files/GUIDE_FEB -2011.pdf)  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
22 
  
 
References  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. 
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition 
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BAFS  Code of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP). Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries 
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BFAR Fisheries Administrative Order 214  s. 2001. Code of Practice for Aquaculture.  Bureau 
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CAC RCP 52 -2003 Rev.4 -2008. Recommended Code of Practic e for Fish and Fishery 
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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
23 
  
Naturland Standards for Organic Aquaculture, May 2010. Part B; I. Principles of Management . 
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PNS/BAFPS 07:2003. Organic Agriculture -Specification.  Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries 
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http://www.biology -online.org  
 
http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/search/en  
 
http://www.memidex.com/polyploid+organism   
 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                     PNS/BAFPS 112: _______  
Organic Aquaculture  
3rd Draft  as of January 16, 2016  
24 
  
http://www.naturland.de/organicmicroalgae.html 
 
http://www.oilgae.com/ref/glos/seaweed.html