Elements and Performance Criteria

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:
aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions, and other compliance requirements, including international treaties and agreements
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
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.
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, 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 and 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)
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
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).
Routine water quality and environmental parameters may include:
alkalinity
ammonia
dissolved oxygen
hardness
nitrate
nitrite
pH
salinity and conductivity
temperature
turbidity (e.g. secchi disc and transparency).
Monitoring method may include:
observations
surveys
tests and measurements.
Data collection may include:
computer software
data loggers
data sheets.
Manipulation may include:
adding chemicals (e.g. lime, copper sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, salt and magnesium sulphate)
changing husbandry practices (e.g. feed composition, handling techniques stocking densities, aeration and filtration - biological and mechanical).
Non-routine parameters may include:
bacterial levels, such as E. coli and faecal coliforms
biological oxygen demand (BOD)
carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide gas
changes in native land-based and/or aquatic life around the farm, including macro-invertebrates and macrophytes
clay content of soil and types of sediments
contaminants/chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals
dissolved or suspended solids or wastes
ozone
phosphorus (total and orthophosphate)
presence of severe weather conditions (e.g. king tides, extreme temperatures and fluctuations)
redox potential
soil or sediment pH
toxic micro-algae.
Measurement methods (non-routine parameters) may include:
external laboratory tests
meters
spectroscopy
test kits (e.g. colorimetric and titration).
Data may be presented in the form of:
charts
graphs
tables
Data could also take the form of semi-quantitative observations and be expressed on a scale (for example, 1 to 4 or + to ++++).
Analysed may include:
calculations including
percentage content, such as protein and phosphate
concentration, such as mg/L, ppm
conversions between SI units
industry specific ratios, such as feed conversion ratio (FCR) and NPK
percentages, fractions and decimals
ratios, such as mass to mass, mass to volume and volume to volume percentages
significance
variables, such as flow rates
volumes (L, ML, tonne) of rearing and holding facilities
comparison with/between:
feed types
industry standards
rearing units
scientific standards and literature
sites
stockings.
Features and trends in data may include:
increasing/decreasing data and rate of change
maximum and minimum values
outliers, and data beyond control limits or normal range
spread of data.
Husbandry practices which impact adversely on water quality may include:
cleaning practices
disease management practices
feed types and schedule
filtration systems
holding and rearing facilities
stocking densities.
Management strategies may include:
modifying:
cleaning and quarantine procedures
equipment
fallow period
feed type
monitoring program
stocking rate
water treatment.

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 and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
develop a valid and appropriate water quality management program
develop realistic management strategies based on analysis of data
presents accurate data in the required format
recognise obvious trends in data
recognise the difference between routine and non-routine water quality parameters
respond to non-routine water quality emergencies.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
interaction between stock, water chemistry and husbandry practices
monitoring equipment operation, calibration and limitations
water chemistry and interaction between parameters.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

Resources may include:
data sets and records
computer and relevant software
relevant enterprise procedures
measurement equipment and rearing units.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
case studies of non-routine situations to assess the candidate's data analysis and management strategies
feedback from supervisors and peers
observation of the candidate as they measure non-routine parameters and manipulate water chemistry
questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures and trends in data
review of records transcribed, maintained or stored by the candidate
review of work procedures, data sheets, calculations, graphs and tables prepared by the candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.