Transport
RSPCA welfare standards for farmed Atlantic salmon 38 September 2015
* indicates an amendment
T 6.3 * All receiving enclosures must be clearly identified, e.g. with marker buoys.
T 6.4 * Site staff must be able to communicate with the loading site and the helicopter.
T 6.5 * The fish must be transferred from the tanks/rearing enclosures without causing injury to fish.
T 6.6 * Helicopter buckets and other ancillary equipment must be:
a) fully maintained
b) clean
c) fit for purpose.
T 6.7 There must be sufficient buckets to ensure that the time that fish have to wait for transportation does not
compromise their welfare.
T 6.8 * The loading of the fish into the buckets must coincide with the arrival of the helicopter.
T 6.9 The helicopter bucket must contain approximately two thirds water before any fish are loaded into it.
T 6.10 The life support system of the bucket must be switched on and working before the fish are put in.
T 6.11 A sample weight of fish must be known before loading commences.
T 6.12 Helicopter buckets must have their own independent supply of oxygen.
T 6.13 The oxygen levels in the bucket must be:
a) the same as that of the tanks from where the fish came,
b) maintained at a minimum of 7mg/litre.
T 6.14 * The helicopter bucket must be lowered gently into the water when unloading the fish to avoid injuring them.
T 6.15 The helicopter bucket must be allowed to empty completely before moving off.
T 6.16 The planned maximum journey time to the discharge site with fish on board must be no longer than
15 minutes.
T 6.17 The maximum stocking density in the bucket must be no greater than 400kg/m
3.
T 6.18 There must be a contingency plan in place for:
a) bad weather
b) if a bucket will not open.
* Wellboat transport-smolts
T 7.1 * Only wellboats with the ability to run on closed valves are permitted.
T 7.2 * The journey must be planned to ensure that arrivals at the loading and unloading sites are such that they
avoid delays in moving the fish.
T 7.3 * There must be trained and competent staff available at the site that is to receive fish.
T 7.4 * The wellboat must have water in the well before loading commences.