Success or failure of any aquaculture venture largely depends on the right selection of the site with the proper carrying capacity assessment for it. In choosing a site several factors other than the physical aspect of the site are to be considered. This presentation provides an explanation to selecte a proper site for aquaculture including the process used to determine the carrying capacity of such sites. Example of DHI work in site selection and impact assessment for aquaculture in different countries from around the world will be presented.
The site selection study included an initial suitability screening, based on analysis of production potential, risk of diseases, environmental impact and spatial planning issues such as shipping, marine protected areas and fishery. Segregation from sensitive marine habitats and existing or future approved sea space designations or activities and locating sites that are optimal for fish growing and fish farming operations is critical for ensuring the viability and sustainability of the operation.
The impact assessments involved full-scale 3D hydrodynamic and ecological modelling addressing four central environmental concerns; water quality - including medicine and chemicals, eutrophication signals, deposition of organic waste on seabed, and impacts on marine protected areas and water bodies.
The site selection study should be treated as a high-level analysis. There are stakeholder consultations and further technical assessment needed to confirm the suitability of specific sites. The planning process for approval of a site for fish farming involves multiple stakeholders across government. Environmental baseline studies and impact assessment based on state of the art model tools should also be completed for each specific site to confirm the suitability and potential carrying capacity. The impact assessment will allow identification of specific mitigation measures for each site. Ideally the new fish farm(s) should follow best practice (ie. refer to Aquaculture Stewardship Council - ASC - and/or Best Aquaculture Practice - BAP - guidelines).