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

7 GFCM:XXXV/2011/Dma.9
Although various studies have been carried out and different tools for the management of the coastal
zone have been defined, selection of sites for aquaculture is still a critical and unresolved issue in most
Mediterranean countries. Several programs, which are related to site selection and establishment of
carrying capacity of aquaculture sites in the Mediterranean or to other specific issues addressed within
SHoCMed, have been undertaken or are being performed. SHoCMed may, where relevant, build on
the most recent programs or establish links with other current initiatives, and latch onto more recent
technical outputs and guidelines, such as the ones by IUCN 1 . In particular, SHoCMed may build on
the guidelines on interactions of aquaculture with the environment, and on site selection and site
management which IUCN formulated together with the Federation of European Aquaculture
Producers (FEAP) and with the support of the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
The collaboration between the GFCM and the IUCN on sustainable aquaculture was also recalled
during the 32 nd session (Rome, 25 - 29 February 2008) in which a specific agreement was signed by
the two parties. For the activities related to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a valid
contribution has also been incorporated in the FAO 2 review on EIA and monitoring in aquaculture. In
addition SHoCMed has also utilised outputs from some relevant and recent projects and initiatives
from a larger area than the GFCM region, and hence not only focused on the Mediterranean.
Particular links have been established with the other Subsidiary bodies of the CAQ; between
SHoCMed and InDAM 3 for aspects related to the identification of indicators on aquaculture for the
environmental dimension, as well as between SHoCMed and SIPAM 4 for the aspects related to data
banks.
Links with other regional projects and initiatives related to aquaculture sustainability and ICZM will
also be established to follow linkage between the sustainability of aquaculture and that of
Mediterranean fisheries, in particular coastal fisheries.
The integration of the SHoCMed project in the GFCM framework will be beneficial as the latter will
provide regular fora for discussion on progress and follow-up, as well as access to donor for ad-hoc
actions that will be determined during the program.
1.3.3 Expected outputs
The work program integrates the outputs outlined below. Output 1 covers activities carried out during
the first year of the program; it integrates a number of studies and data gathering exercises on site
selection and carrying capacity in order to help refine the SHoCMed strategy, and to confirm the
methodology and guide the choice for case studies that will be considered in year 2 and 3 of the
program. Criteria and related guidelines for aquaculture site selection will be developed on the basis of
the results of output 1 and specific activities (reviews, multi-stakeholder workshops, case studies).
Standards and guidelines to be adopted will be detailed at the end of year 1, taking into account the
preliminary results of outputs 1 and 2. Understanding of holding capacity issues will be enhanced on
the basis of extensive reviews and focussed case studies. Outputs 2 and 3 are yet to be produced.
OUTPUT 1 - Preliminary study to design the best strategy for a consensus on site selection and
establishment of Mediterranean standards for carrying/holding capacity of aquaculture
farms has been completed.
OUTPUT 2 - Production of criteria and related guidelines (including standards) for aquaculture site
selection in the GFCM region.
1 Interaction between Aquaculture and the Environment (2007). IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Malaga, Spain. 107 pages;
and Aquaculture Site Selection and Site Management (2009) IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Malaga, Spain. 303 pages
2 Environmental Impact Assessment and monitoring in aquaculture. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper. No.
527. Rome, FAO 2009. 57p. (full text CD – 648 pages)
3 InDAM “ Indicators for Sustainable Development of Aquaculture and Guidelines for their use in the Mediterranean
(InDAM) GFCM/CAQ” is a project in support to the activities of the GFCM Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ) which is
cofunded by European Commission DG-MARE.
4 SIPAM . Information System for the Promotion on Aquaculture on Mediterranean www.faosipam.org