Abstract
The steady increase in production volume of salmon aquaculture has sharpened concerns about its sustainability. In particular the production of salmon feed is a reason for concern given its reliance on scarce natural resources, such as wild fish captures. Multi-scale integrated analysis is put forward as a tool to anticipate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of large-scale implementation of alternative salmon feeds, considering both plant and insect sources as potential replacements of fish meal and fish oil. The proposed accounting framework, based on relational analysis across hierarchical levels, describes the patterns of required inputs using biophysical and economic variables. It also considers the inputs used by external systems for the production of imported feed, thus providing a coherent assessment of the sustainability of the production system in terms of feasibility, viability, and desirability. The analytical tool-kit is illustrated in conceptual terms and then applied to the Norwegian salmon aquaculture, both in diagnostic (describing the actual situation) and anticipatory mode (examining feed scenarios). Results are used in an exercise of quantitative story-telling to check the quality of the narratives currently shaping policy discussions on aquaculture. Quantitative story-telling is a heuristic approach aimed at checking the robustness of knowledge claims in face of uncertainty. It is concluded that rearing insects in the salmon feed production chain enlarges the option space of feed sources by opening up the possibility of using locally-produced seaweed and organic waste, but also raises the level of uncertainty with regard to the possible insurgence of negative side effects.
Highlights
The combined increase in per capita fish consumption and human population over the last four decades has led to an increase in overall fish consumption by 2.8 times (FAO, 2018b; The World Bank, 2018)
The environmental pressure generated by salmon aquaculture and the increase in price of fishmeal and fish oil are increasingly challenging the sustainability of this economic sector (Rana et al, 2009)
The scenario of insect feed considered in the AQUAFLY project refers to an innovation of low technology readiness level
Summary
The combined increase in per capita fish consumption and human population over the last four decades has led to an increase in overall fish consumption by 2.8 times (FAO, 2018b; The World Bank, 2018) This increase was possible due to an impressive growth in the volume of aquacultural production, from 4.7 million tons in 1980 to 80 million in 2016 (FAO, 2018a). The environmental pressure generated by salmon aquaculture and the increase in price of fishmeal and fish oil are increasingly challenging the sustainability of this economic sector (Rana et al, 2009) This is a highly relevant issue for Norway because of the perceived relevance of salmon aquaculture in the country and the ambitions for further growth (DKNVS/NTVA, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
