Teachers who use animals must keep clear and accurate records of:

• The number of each species kept in each tank
• Identification of tanks
• The dates and sources of acquisition of each batch or tank
• Disposal details and dates for each batch or tank
• Feeding details (times/amount)
• Water quality monitoring results
• Complete breeding records
• The dates and types of husbandry practices carried out
• The name, dosage, batch number, expiry date, withholding period and dates of any chemicals administered
• Any accident, illness or injury involving school animals and the veterinary treatment provided (if required)
• Any significant occurrences that adversely affect the welfare of school animals, such as vandalism, outbreak of disease etc.

The type and format of the records maintained will vary from school to school and be dependent on the number of fish kept, number of staff involved in maintaining the records and the layout and location of the aquaculture facility.

The minimum requirement is a daily diary that is accessible to all staff that are involved in the care and use of the animals. A system of feeding sheets for each tank is ideal.

Where there are several staff members involved in the care of animals it is essential that there is a mechanism for each staff member to document notes about the general health status of school animals and that these notes are available to all other staff members who may be involved in animal care.