If aquatic animals go off feed, then medicated feed is completely ineffective. Within aquaculture, there are also huge differences between the species themselves. Rearing mussels, for instance, is vastly different than rearing trout. Despite these differences, organic livestock and organic aquaculture have important features in common. Broad general principles such as good nutrition, the maintenance of animal health and welfare, and recycling of nutrients where possible are as relevant to aquatic animal production as they are for terrestrial livestock production.
General principles are the overarching guides for production.
The standards are group or even species-specific so it will be possible to meet the diverse requirements of different aquaculture species within these standards. Because aquaculture and organic agriculture are the two fastest growing sectors in American agriculture today, there will likely be a niche for farmers interested in going the extra mile for organic aquaculture certification. As any organic producer will tell you, it is not easy. For example, farmers must keep thorough records to meet certification requirements. Producers must record all substances put into the production system.