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Evidence Guide: SFIAQUA504C - Plan environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

SFIAQUA504C - Plan environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Prepare and implement environmental strategies

  1. Environmental and aesthetic values are assessed for enterprise location, cultured or held stock, construction and operation.
  2. Financial and other resources are identified and allocated for environmental management within the enterprise.
  3. Environmental management strategies that ensure compliance with legislative requirements are incorporated into risk mitigation procedures.
  4. Strategies are assessed for their effectiveness in reducing environmental impacts from the enterprise, including ongoing reduction of waste, adverse impacts with wildlife and other resource users/uses, as well as energy and water efficiency.
  5. Newly available technologies are incorporated into environmental management strategies if found practicable and feasible.
  6. Professional assistance is obtained appropriate to the complexity of the task and financial risk involved and appropriate bodies consulted.
  7. Any community concerns are identified and addressed in the development of strategies.
  8. Environmental management plan is designed based on risk identification and mitigation procedures.
  9. Environmental management plan reflects the requirements of the business plan, production plan and other planning parameters and is achievable with the enterprise's resources and budget.
  10. Water quality and ongoing environmental monitoring plans are developed and documented, and areas of responsibility communicated to staff.
  11. Mechanisation or automation of process or activity, including the use of specialised contract services, is researched and introduced.
Environmental and aesthetic values are assessed for enterprise location, cultured or held stock, construction and operation.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial and other resources are identified and allocated for environmental management within the enterprise.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental management strategies that ensure compliance with legislative requirements are incorporated into risk mitigation procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategies are assessed for their effectiveness in reducing environmental impacts from the enterprise, including ongoing reduction of waste, adverse impacts with wildlife and other resource users/uses, as well as energy and water efficiency.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newly available technologies are incorporated into environmental management strategies if found practicable and feasible.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional assistance is obtained appropriate to the complexity of the task and financial risk involved and appropriate bodies consulted.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any community concerns are identified and addressed in the development of strategies.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental management plan is designed based on risk identification and mitigation procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental management plan reflects the requirements of the business plan, production plan and other planning parameters and is achievable with the enterprise's resources and budget.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water quality and ongoing environmental monitoring plans are developed and documented, and areas of responsibility communicated to staff.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanisation or automation of process or activity, including the use of specialised contract services, is researched and introduced.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design a waste management system

  1. Wastes and outputs are identified for inclusion in the waste water management system.
  2. Waste water management system ensures collection, treatment, storage and re-use of stock and other facility wastes in the most efficient manner.
  3. Where appropriate, materials and consumables obtained by the enterprise are from recycled or re-useable materials and obtained in amounts that result in packaging and waste reduction.
  4. Composting, shredding, re-using and recycling are used as and when appropriate.
  5. Waste disposal contractors are identified, terms negotiated and business awarded according to the environmental management plan.
  6. Performance of the contract is monitored and action taken where variance is identified.
Wastes and outputs are identified for inclusion in the waste water management system.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waste water management system ensures collection, treatment, storage and re-use of stock and other facility wastes in the most efficient manner.

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where appropriate, materials and consumables obtained by the enterprise are from recycled or re-useable materials and obtained in amounts that result in packaging and waste reduction.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Composting, shredding, re-using and recycling are used as and when appropriate.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waste disposal contractors are identified, terms negotiated and business awarded according to the environmental management plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance of the contract is monitored and action taken where variance is identified.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conserve energy resources

  1. Machinery purchase, management and operation procedures reflect efficient use of machinery to reduce fuel usage and emissions or discharges.
  2. Energy used for heating, cooling, lighting and operation of remote appliances is efficient and from alternative sources where appropriate and available.
  3. Design of buildings and structures takes into consideration the use of passive energy for lighting, heating and shelter.
Machinery purchase, management and operation procedures reflect efficient use of machinery to reduce fuel usage and emissions or discharges.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy used for heating, cooling, lighting and operation of remote appliances is efficient and from alternative sources where appropriate and available.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design of buildings and structures takes into consideration the use of passive energy for lighting, heating and shelter.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conserve water resources

  1. Water is managed to optimise its use.
  2. Contamination of water effluent with chemicals or wastes is minimised through sound utilisation strategies.
  3. Settlement ponds, effluent treatment works and waste reduction processes are used appropriately.
Water is managed to optimise its use.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contamination of water effluent with chemicals or wastes is minimised through sound utilisation strategies.

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement ponds, effluent treatment works and waste reduction processes are used appropriately.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise adverse interactions with wildlife and other resource users

  1. Potential interactions with wildlife and other resource users are identified and regularly assessed for level of adverse impacts.
  2. Strategies are developed to mitigate adverse interactions.
Potential interactions with wildlife and other resource users are identified and regularly assessed for level of adverse impacts.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategies are developed to mitigate adverse interactions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undertake an environmental audit

  1. Environmental audit takes into consideration relevant factors.
  2. Reports are prepared according to enterprise, customer and legal requirements.
Environmental audit takes into consideration relevant factors.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reports are prepared according to enterprise, customer and legal requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

develop environmental management strategies and systems that use available resources and meet enterprise procedures and legislative requirements, and to communicate these to staff.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

aquaculture systems

effects of chemicals and water quality on aquatic organisms

regulations impacting on aquaculture.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be based around an actual aquaculture enterprise or simulated through a detailed case study.

Resources may include:

models and farm hatchery components.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

work-based project

work-based scenario or case study

written or oral short-answer testing.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

communicating with work teams and management

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

consulting with external bodies/agencies, community groups and industry specialists

conserving energy resources

managing water use

minimising waste

preparing and implementing strategies

undertaking an environmental audit.

Literacy skills used for:

interpreting aquaculture engineering publications

interpreting technical and regulatory documents

writing an environmental audit report.

Numeracy skills used for:

allocating financial resources

calculating energy and water efficiency

assessing financial risk

applying formulae for design criteria, such as water flows, pump effectiveness, temperature control and oxygen injection.

Required knowledge

antibiotic, pesticide and herbicide resistance

effect of effluent on plants, animals and environment

energy flows and food webs

environmental control standards

land catchment and coastal processes

legislative requirements, including OHS, HAZCHEM, duty of care and dangerous goods

noise, dust, odour and light control

nutrient cycling

principles of composting and waste management

principles of integrated and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture systems

mechanisation or automation of process or activity

risk identification and reduction

soil testing processes and procedures and results interpretation

use of specialised contract services.

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

business or workplace operations, policies and practices:

commercial law, including fair trading and trade practices

consumer law

corporate law, including registration, licensing and financial reporting

disability policies and practices

equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment

industrial relations and awards, individual employment contracts and share of catch agreements

jurisdictional variations

superannuation

taxation

trade practices

warnings and dismissals

worker's compensation

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions and other compliance requirements, including:

Australian Exclusive Economic Zone

international treaties and agreements

food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody

imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)

Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods

maritime and occupational diving operations:

foreign and Australian legislation applying to quarantine and customs

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978)

Marine Emergency Response Search and Rescue (MERSAR)

National Standards for Commercial Vessels

pollution prevention - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)

Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code

use of vessels, right of way and other marine orders, bunkering and refuelling

land, buildings and vehicles:

buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions

poaching, trespass and theft

road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment

soil and water management

use of chemicals and biological agents

use of firearms and powerheads

use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage

water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control

product quality assurance:

correct naming and labelling (e.g. country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)

correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements

third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:

Australian Shellfish Sanitation program

display, packaging and sale of food, including seafood and aquatic products

equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance

exporting requirements, including AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders

handling and disposal of condemned or recalled seafood products

HACCP, food safety program, and other risk minimisation and quality assurance systems

location, construction and servicing of seafood premises

people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements

Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)

processing, further processing and preparation of food, including seafood and aquatic products

product labelling, tracing and recall

receipt, storage and transportation of food, including seafood and aquatic products

requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code and state and territory food regulations

temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.

ESD principles may include:

controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification

managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter

managing sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection requirements, such as size limits, quotas, season restrictions, population dynamics, fishing impacts, reducing by-catch, fisheries management strategies and maintaining biodiversity

managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements

preventing genetically modified organisms, live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment

protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities

reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective eyewear, glasses and face mask

protective hair, beard and boot covers

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).

Cultured or held stock may include:

adults, broodstock (ready to breed), seedstock or stockers, eggs and sperm, fertilised eggs, larvae, post-larvae, seed, spat, hatchlings, yearlings, juveniles, fry, fingerlings, yearlings, smolt, sporophytes, seedlings and tissue cultures

finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic reptiles, amphibians, polychaete and oligochaete worms, plankton, micro-algae, seaweed, aquatic plants, live rock, sponges and other aquatic invertebrates

for human consumption (seafood), stockers for other farms, stockers for conservation or recreational fishing, display or companion animals (ornamentals), and other products, including pearls, skins, shells, eggs, chemicals and pigments

wild caught, hatchery or nursery reared.

Wildlife may include:

introduced species

native fauna

native flora

protected areas

protected species.

Other resource users/uses may include:

commercial and recreational fishing

commercial, Indigenous and recreational shipping

divers, swimmers, water skiers and wind surfers

farmers, agriculturists, foresters and industrialists

heritage areas, national parks and marine parks

Indigenous and other community groups

naturalists, bird watchers and botanists

owners of neighbouring land or housing.

Appropriate bodies consulted may include:

Coastcare and Landcare and catchment management groups

consultants and specialists

councils

governments

non-government organisations and other stakeholder groups

provision for the evaluation of environmental assets for insurance purposes

statutory bodies.

Planning parameters may include:

access to:

land

power

water

other inputs or materials

area available for waste distribution/storage/treatment capacity

availability of water, ground water levels, water re-use or recycling systems

chemical use

climate

culture or holding system type

disease status within the stock

exotic stock regulations/notifiable diseases

financial resources

future increases in stock numbers and individual sizes (biomass)

future increases in supplementary feeding

intensity of operations

labour resources

minimise escapes

minimise genetic interaction

proximity to neighbours

quarantine requirements

siting of culture or holding structures in relation to areas where wastes will be collected

soil and water type

stock flow alterations

stock species, type and numbers

stock transfer/movement

topography

volume of waste currently produced, future trends, relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste management

whole farm planning.

Waste water management systems may include:

composting and worm farms

filter feeding species and aquatic plants or seaweeds

integrated aquaculture or agriculture, hydroponics or aquaponics

spreading irrigation to paddocks, crops or trees

recycling

self-composting toilets and septic tanks

settlement ponds or lagoons and constructed wetlands.

Efficient may include:

cost-effectiveness

effective conservation of waste into a useable forms

efficiency in overall design and operation

environmental friendliness

labour relations

maximising benefit from recycled wastes

meeting the legal requirements

resource utilisation efficiency, recycling or reuse.

Emissions or discharges may include:

gas

light

liquids and solids

noise

odour and fumes

particulates and dust

smoke

vapour.

Alternative energy sources may include:

biogas

solar generators, tubing and panels

water generators (hydro-electric)

wind generators.

Design of buildings and structures may include:

building materials

cavity sizes

location and construction of windows

orientation of building or structure

planting surrounding the building or structure

self-composting toilets

use of colour

waste disposal

windbreaks

workplace services for employees.

Relevant factors may include:

topography and characteristics of area, including:

ambience

biology

climate

current policies and practices

energy use

flora and fauna

geology

heritage

hydrology

noise, dust, light and odour control

oceanography

overburden of vegetation

presence of protected species

surrounding human activities

surrounding vegetation and wildlife

water availability and use.