Site selection and carrying capacity in Mediterranean ... - FAO Sipam

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The collection and dissemination of such information should be the responsibility of the
competent authorities, given the public domain nature of most of these areas.
The development of aquaculture by means of site selection should be based on scientific
knowledge complemented by traditional knowledge. Research must be conducted
continually in order to improve knowledge on aquaculture, which has to be made available in a
way that is understandable by all.
Environmental knowledge
The study area should be delimited in advance. The study area should be narrowed down
without losing vital data, in order to optimize data collection in the field both technically and
economically.
Environmental and cultivation conditions should be well enough matched to assure the
viability of the project. Depending on the type of aquaculture to be introduced, the most
suitable environmental conditions for its development need to be assessed.
Technical knowledge
Decision makers should be familiar with current production and technological systems to
ensure that aquaculture sites are appropriately selected. It is important to know what kinds
of aquaculture are suited to the characteristics of a particular area and to use the most up-to-date
techniques to achieve the success of the project.
Only proven technologies should be considered in the selection of sites for aquaculture
and their subsequent management, especially in offshore locations or in highly
sophisticated systems such as land-based recirculation systems. Both types of aquaculture
system are complex. It is therefore essential to be familiar with the most applicable technology
in order to manage the high risk of aquaculture.
Research into the practical implementation of sanitary fallowing of fish farm sites in the
Mediterranean should be encouraged. The consolidation of this knowledge could have
important future consequences for aquaculture planning and siting, especially in view of the
increase in production and site concentration.
Aquaculture personnel should be provided with lifelong learning. In order to make sure
aquaculture ventures run smoothly, it is important to keep personnel abreast of any new
technologies or improvements which could improve site selection and site management.
Knowledge of the legal system
Aquaculture farmers and the authorities with jurisdiction over the coast should have
clear knowledge of the legislation governing aquaculture and the relevant planning rules.
To this end, countries that want to encourage aquaculture development need to have transparent
legislation on aquaculture to provide sufficient legal certainty for aquaculture farmers.
Aquaculture and coastal planning legislation should be familiar and accessible to all
stakeholders. In the planning of suitable sites for aquaculture, there should be a clear and
comprehensive understanding of the legislation governing all interests affecting the coastline, in
order to avoid conflicts of interest.
Socioeconomic knowledge
The process of aquaculture site selection and site management should take reliable local
knowledge into consideration. The views of the people in the area of interest should be taken
into account when assessing aquaculture planning within its socioeconomic, political, cultural
and legal context.
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