Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:51 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:51 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Coordinate sustainable aquacultural practices
Coordinate sustainable aquacultural practices
Unit of competency
National Code
SFIAQUA407C
SFIAQUA407C
State Code
D9152
D9152
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/02/2012
Field of Education
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
27/02/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency involves coordinating sustainable practices in the operation of aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental facilities. The unit includes implementing strategies that minimise waste, conserve energy resources and manage water use.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Coordinate water quality and environmental monitoring programs
- 1.1. Strategies for meeting legislative and environmental obligations and allocations of labour and financial resources are confirmed with management.
- 1.2. Water quality variables and environmental criteria to be monitored are selected according to monitoring plans, and monitoring schedules are prepared and conveyed to staff.
- 1.3. External contractors are briefed on management policies and priorities.
- 1.4. Monitoring systems are developed to ensure that the quality of the water supply system meets the requirements of the cultured or held stock.
- 1.5. Options for mechanisation or automation of process or activity are assessed, including the use of specialised contract services, and recommendations made to senior personnel.
2. Develop effluent and waste treatment and disposal programs
- 2.1. Environmental risks are determined and effluent and waste treatment and disposalprograms are developed to minimise emissions and discharges according to legislative requirements.
- 2.2. Options for on-site or off-site disposal of wastes are evaluated against environmental management plan.
- 2.3. Adverse environmental impacts due to effluent and waste treatments and disposal are minimised.
3. Manage water use for facility
- 3.1. Water is sourced from locations other than mains water, where possible and where appropriate.
- 3.2. On-land run-off or overflow water is managed to optimise its use and minimise pollutants entering river and drainage systems, settlement ponds or effluent treatment works are used appropriately according to management policies.
- 3.3. Culture or holding structures are positioned to achieve appropriate water flow and quality.
- 3.4. Stock production strategies are developed to efficiently use available water supply.
- 3.5. Water utilisation strategies are developed to minimise evaporation, run-off and seepage of water.
- 3.6. Contamination of water effluent with chemicals is minimised through sound utilisation strategies.
4. Finalise environmental protection activities
- 4.1. Clean up of work area, including repairs and storage of equipment, is supervised and condition report prepared.
- 4.2. Relevant environmental protection data, observations or information are recorded legibly and accurately, and any out of range or unusual records checked.
- 4.3. Compliance and other required reports are prepared and conveyed to senior personnel advising of the effectiveness of environmental protection, and recommendations made for improvements.
- 4.4. Staff are given feedback on their work performance.
- 4.5. Innovations in environmental protection are examined and implemented, when appropriate.
- 4.6. All environmental protection activities are confirmed as complying with government regulations and requirements.
- 4.7. Administrative planning takes into account the evaluation of environmental assets for insurance purposes.
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
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.
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 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)
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).
Water quality variables may include:
alkalinity
ammonia
carbon dioxide
dissolved organic matter
dissolved oxygen
hardness and carbonate hardness
nitrate
nitrite
pH
phosphorus
salinity and conductivity
temperature
turbidity, suspended and settleable solids.
Environmental criteria may include:
activity of pests and predators
climatic conditions (e.g. rainfall, amount of cloud cover, and wind direction and speed)
coastal geology
contaminants
economic issues
historic, cultural or other social issues
Indigenous issues (e.g. native title)
natural foods
polyculture, aquaponics and hydroponics
stakeholder interests
tidal flow direction and speed
water quality variables
wave size and direction.
Waste treatment and disposal programs may include:
constructed wetlands
mechanical, chemical or biological filters
rearing of filter feeding species, aquatic plants or seaweed
self-composting toilets or septic tanks
settlement ponds.
Emissions and discharges may include:
fumes
gas
light
liquids and solids
noise
odour
particulates
smoke
vapour.
Wastes may include:
chemical
construction waste
fouling organisms
glass
green waste
metals
moribund or dead stock
paper
plastics
processing leftovers
solid and soluble waste.
Run-off may include:
cooling systems
inefficient or defective drains
irrigation systems
rain
stormwater
water supply.
Chemicals may include:
antifoulants
biological agents
chemical
fertilisers
pesticides, herbicides and other poisons.
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
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.
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 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)
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).
Water quality variables may include:
alkalinity
ammonia
carbon dioxide
dissolved organic matter
dissolved oxygen
hardness and carbonate hardness
nitrate
nitrite
pH
phosphorus
salinity and conductivity
temperature
turbidity, suspended and settleable solids.
Environmental criteria may include:
activity of pests and predators
climatic conditions (e.g. rainfall, amount of cloud cover, and wind direction and speed)
coastal geology
contaminants
economic issues
historic, cultural or other social issues
Indigenous issues (e.g. native title)
natural foods
polyculture, aquaponics and hydroponics
stakeholder interests
tidal flow direction and speed
water quality variables
wave size and direction.
Waste treatment and disposal programs may include:
constructed wetlands
mechanical, chemical or biological filters
rearing of filter feeding species, aquatic plants or seaweed
self-composting toilets or septic tanks
settlement ponds.
Emissions and discharges may include:
fumes
gas
light
liquids and solids
noise
odour
particulates
smoke
vapour.
Wastes may include:
chemical
construction waste
fouling organisms
glass
green waste
metals
moribund or dead stock
paper
plastics
processing leftovers
solid and soluble waste.
Run-off may include:
cooling systems
inefficient or defective drains
irrigation systems
rain
stormwater
water supply.
Chemicals may include:
antifoulants
biological agents
chemical
fertilisers
pesticides, herbicides and other poisons.
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:
implement sustainable practices in the aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental workplace.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
conservation of energy and water resources
environmental control standards
legislative requirements, including OHS
principles of sustainable systems for aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental facilities
principles of composting and waste management.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. Coordination of sustainable practices is best assessed over a period of time and taking into account a range of environmental management strategies.
Resources may include:
functional aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental facility
management policies.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
project (work or scenario based)
case study analysis
research assignment
written and oral short-answer tests.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
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:
implement sustainable practices in the aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental workplace.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
conservation of energy and water resources
environmental control standards
legislative requirements, including OHS
principles of sustainable systems for aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental facilities
principles of composting and waste management.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. Coordination of sustainable practices is best assessed over a period of time and taking into account a range of environmental management strategies.
Resources may include:
functional aquaculture, seafood holding or ornamental facility
management policies.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
project (work or scenario based)
case study analysis
research assignment
written and oral short-answer tests.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4171 | SFIAQUA407B | Coordinate sustainable aquacultural practices | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS22 | SFIAQU407 | Coordinate sustainable aquacultural practices | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W988 | SFI40111 | Certificate IV in Aquaculture | Qualification |
| W990 | SFI50111 | Diploma of Aquaculture | Qualification |