Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) recently released its long-delayed "State of Salmon Aquaculture Technologies" report to the public , breaking down the future of salmon aquaculture operations in British Columbia and what the country can do to accelerate the growth of the sector.
The 64-page report explores four salmon aquaculture technologies – land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), hybrids involving land and marine based systems, floating closed-containment systems (CCS) and offshore open production systems – weighing the pros and cons of each production method. The two primary drivers for exploring new methods are pressures from governments and stakeholders to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies and challenges such as sea lice and algal blooms that affect salmon production.
While Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party was bullish on the phase-out of open net-pen aquaculture operations in British Columbia before national elections held in October 2019, the issue has died down since the election and the time-table on shift remains unclear. But the DFO report unearths concerns it says have not been addressed regarding conventional net-pen systems in B.C.
The expansion of salmon aquaculture has slowed in recent years. Since 2000, the average annual growth in production volumes nearly stalled both in B.C. and globally as limited opportunities for conventional aquaculture expansion were available.
“The assessment reflects the broad state of technologies rather than specific designs, and uncertainties are noted as some technologies are yet to be proven commercially and applied in B.C.,” the report said. “All four systems offer multiple improvements over today’s conventional net-pen production systems, however each system offers different advantages and disadvantages in terms of environmental, social, and economic performance.”
Overall, the report claims that B.C. is prepared to move into and take advantage of two of four aquaculture technologies immediately.
“Land-based RAS and hybrid systems are the two technologies ready for commercial development in B.C., while floating closed containment requires two to five years of further review, and offshore technologies may require five to 10 years of review.”
In the report, land-based RAS systems are lauded for providing an environment that “is highly controlled and secure” and its recycling potential. However, the reports lists remaining challenges for the technology that include managing the system to avoid off-flavors, fish health in RAS growing conditions, and the lack of a trained workforce to operate new facilities and potential investment risks.
The report also supported the increased use of hybrid systems – land-based RAS technologies combined with marine grow-out sites.
“The land-based portion provides better growing conditions and reduces early growth phase risks at sea. The shortened grow-out period reduces some environmental risks at marine sites and avoids the most-costly portion of land-based systems in the grow-out phase,” the report said.
Following the publication of the report, B.C. Salmon Farmers Association reiterated its support for science-based development of new aquaculture tactics.
“We are confident land-based aquaculture can be part of the solution to responsibly raising the fish needed to feed our hungry world in the future, alongside ocean-based farming,” B.C. Salmon Farmers Association Executive Director John Paul Fraser said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the minister, our Indigenous partners and other stakeholders in B.C. aquaculture over the next five years to develop a responsible plan to move this industry forward.”
The report concludes by encouraging the implementation of new technology as a way for the aquaculture industry to bypass the long-running criticism from local NGOs and environmentalists in Britidh Columbia.
“There is excitement across industry, government, and ENGOs at the prospect of transforming aquaculture production and realizing its full potential. After many years of commercial scale solutions remaining elusive, there is no doubt that technologies now offer the means to improve performance,” the report said. “Setting the course for new production systems in B.C., done properly, will move aquaculture beyond the contentious debate that has afflicted the sector for decades. New technology should be facilitated and encouraged so that improved systems replace existing ones. This will not automatically happen within the aquaculture sector and will require a coordinated and concerted effort to put in place incentives, clear requirements, and the innovation culture that is critical. Building on partnerships between companies, other coastal resource users, Indigenous communities, and governments, a collaborative approach will allow all interests to participate in future success."
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