1 25/5 2000 Optimal Monitoring Procedures and Good Practice With Wide Applications 2 nd MARAQUA Workshop , Heraklion, 20-22 March, 2000 Description of code of best practice for aquaculture with reference to the environment Hans Ackefors Department of Zoology Stockholm University S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden And Patrick White Akvaplan-niva Athens Office P O Box 52912, Nea Erethrea 14610, Greece Abstract Code of Conduct for Aquaculture was an issue in focus in late 1990s. The rapid development of aquaculture during 1980s and 1990s including culture based fisheries, the use of genetic selection for improved strains, the increasing environmental impact from aquaculture and the social aspect of aquaculture made it necessary to produce guidelines and rules for this new industry. Many international bodies were involved in this process. For the practioneers and others within the industry it became necessary to create practical guidelines for farming and the principles for Good or Best Practices were developed. Some countries have now developed and implement Codes of Good Practice. This paper discusses the diversity of the aquaculture industry and the need for creating many types of Good Practice Manuals due to the various technologies used and other factors which vary such as species and geographical region. The paper discusses the principles and the scientific background without any particular reference to extensive, intensive and integrated farming technologies. Managing of water, discharge of waste water, feed and feed technology, disease control, food safety, quality of products and