LENKA—a method for a nation-wide analysis of the suitability of the Norwegian coast for aquaculture

Abstract

The last ten years the aquaculture industry in Norway has boomed. The rapid expansion has caused different kinds of environmental and managerial problems that need to be adressed. A coastal zone management programme called LENKA was started in 1987. The aim is to make an efficient and standardized tool for coastal zone planning. Consideration is taken to the environment, existing utilization and infrastructure aspects connected to the Norwegian coastal waters. A model for estimating the production capacity for aquaculture is set forth. The model deals with conditions connected to the reciplent and to the surface area. The coast is divided into three categories of recipients based on topography. Each category is given a production indice, quantlfying the aquaculture production possible without harming the environment. The recipient capacity is compared to the different constraints put on the surface area, and a figure for net capacity is given. The method has been used at county level. The results are summarized to give a national overview of the potential for aquaculture industry in Norway.