The emission intensity of the freshwater aquaculture production value chain in Georgia

Abstract

This contribution assesses the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity among two freshwater aquaculture sub-chains: both the carp and catfish and the trout and sturgeon sub-chains in Georgia. The data were derived from 155 semi-structured interviews conducted in Georgia in 2021. The GHG per kilogram of production and per Georgian Lari (GEL) of value added of specific farm types were calculated. Emission intensity per kg of production is similar for both sub-chains, while value-added differs more significantly. Our results show the existence of economies of scale in trout production due to the ability of larger farms to use less feed per kilogram of fish. From this perspective, increasing the production scale can lead to lower emission intensity and improved economic performance. In the case of the carp sub-chain, economies of scale are not present. Therefore, we recommend conducting research on increasing the scale of production through the use of larger ponds. This solution brings obvious economic benefits, but from an environmental point of view, it may pose certain threats. Moreover, the countereffects of scaling production, such as wild fish depletion, water pollution, and the spreading of fish diseases and the farmed fish escaping, must also be adequately addressed.