NEEDS AND COMPROMISES: OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE

Abstract

Fish aquaculture has always been practiced in human history but was not regarded as the main production of aquatic species, until only after 1990s, when aquaculture production drastically increased, in response to the growing demand of fish as a cheaper and more sustainable protein source for human populations.

Most marine fish farms are sited in sheltered, shallow and nearshore areas, which led to environmental concerns and competition for common sea space. The solution for fish farming industry is to move installations from nearshore sites to offshore sites. The offshore environment reduces the environmental impacts, offers more space for fish farms with reduction of contest with other sea space users alongside better conditions for fish welfare.

Yet, offshore fish farming introduces many biological and physical challenges. The offshore cage design should consider environmental features of the selected site, in order to minimize risks and running costs, while maximizing productivity and fish welfare.