Aquatic Water Quality Award Scheme

This Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been developed to define how the APHA and Bristol Zoological Society shall work together for the continuation and expansion of the Aquatic Quality Award (AQUA) biosecurity accreditation and certification scheme across England and into Wales. The AQUA scheme - as a biosecurity accreditation/certification scheme to reduce the impact and spread of Invasive Alien Species in freshwater aquatic, riparian and coastal environments – was originally a regional pilot in the South-West of England, run by the Partner, in conjunction with the Authority, Southwest Water, and the Southwest Lakes Trust. This was through the RAPID (Reducing and Preventing Invasive Alien Species Dispersal) LIFE Project. The continuation and expansion of the AQUA Scheme across England and into Wales and Scotland shall maintain and develop the benefits from the regional pilot and support the legacy of the RAPID LIFE Project. This MoA shall commence on 01 April 2025 and (subject to earlier termination on the terms of this MoA) shall continue until 31 March 2027 which period may be extended by the written agreement of the Parties. The MoA was signed on 05 February 2026.