Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Legislative obligations:
· local government
· State government
· Federal government
· regulations
· by-laws
· body corporate agreements (aquaculture parks)
· title restrictions, encumbrances or covenants.

Water quality variables:
· dissolved oxygen
· hardness, carbonate hardness
· ammonia
· nitrite
· nitrate
· phosphorus
· carbon dioxide
· alkalinity
· temperature
· salinity, conductivity
· pH
· turbidity, suspended and settleable solids
· dissolved organic matter.

Environmental criteria:
· climatic conditions (rainfall, amount of cloud cover, wind direction and speed)
· tidal flow direction and speed
· coastal geology
· wave size and direction
· activity of pests and predators
· natural foods
· contaminants
· water quality variables
· historic, cultural or other social issues
· stakeholder interests
· economic issues
· indigenous issues, native title
· polyculture, aquaponics, hydroponics.

Waste treatment and disposal systems:
· mechanical, chemical or biological filters
· self-composting toilets or septic tanks
· settlement ponds
· constructed wetlands
· rearing of filter feeding species, aquatic plants or seaweeds.

Emissions and Discharges:
· noise
· light
· odour
· gas
· smoke
· vapour
· liquids and solids
· particulates
· fumes.

Wastes:
· moribund or dead stock
· processing leftovers
· solid and soluble waste
· fouling organisms
· paper
· plastics
· metals
· green waste
· chemical
· glass
· construction waste.

Run-off:
· water supply
· irrigation systems
· rain
· stormwater
· inefficient or defective drains
· cooling systems.

Chemicals:
· fertilisers
· pesticides, herbicides, other poisons
· chemical
· biological agents
· antifoulants.

Administrative plans:
Provision for the evaluation of environmental assets for insurance purposes.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· energy flows and food webs
· nutrient cycling
· light or noise control
· principles of sustainable aquaculture systems
· principles of composting and waste management
· conservation of energy and water resources
· principles of recycling, reuse, and reduction of wastes
· environmental control standards
· legislative requirements including Occupational Health and Safety, HAZCHEM, duty of care, dangerous goods
· sediment or soil testing processes and procedures and results interpretation.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· preparing and implementing strategies
· minimising waste
· conserving energy resources
· managing water use
· undertaking an environmental audit.

Literacy skills used for:
· reading environmental protection guidelines, management polices
· reporting on environmental issues
· writing monitoring schedules.

Numeracy skills used for:
· interpreting monitoring records
· analysing budgets.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· implement sustainable aquaculture practices in the workplace.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· principles of sustainable aquaculture systems
· principles of composting and waste management
· conservation of energy and water resources
· environmental control standards
· legislative requirements including Occupational Health and Safety, HAZCHEM, duty of care, dangerous goods.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· No recommendations.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. Management of sustainable aquaculture practices is best assessed over a period of time and then by taking into account a range of environmental management strategies.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· project work based on a workplace scenario or case study.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· management policies
· workplace scenario or case study.