Prospective Analysis of the Aquaculture Sector in the EU. PART 2: Characterisation of Emerging Aquaculture Systems

Abstract

This report is based on the outcome of the study on "Prospective analysis of the aquaculture sector in the EU", launched and coordinated by the JRC (IPTS) and carried out by the University of Stirling. The report consists of two parts: 1) "Prospective analysis of the aquaculture sector in the EU – Part 1: Synthesis report", and 2) "Prospective analysis of the aquaculture sector in the EU – Part 2: Characterisation of emerging aquaculture systems" This second report is concerned with the identification and characterisation of emerging aquaculture systems. The overall aim of the study is to provide a detailed analysis of how the EU aquaculture sector may respond to the many challenges and pressures faced with respect to economic, social and environmental issues, technological changes etc. As has been the case in the past, these challenges may lead to the emergence of new approaches, products and in the widest sense, aquaculture systems. The degree and possible directions of development of these "emerging systems" will be influential for the future of the EU aquaculture sector. This report aims therefore to provide greater technical detail on emerging aquaculture systems, and has also fed to the development of the synthesis report (Part 2). It follows a format in which we: • Provide detailed descriptions of the technologies, European overviews, detailed country perspectives, technical and financial feasibility, drivers and barriers, environmental impacts and prospects for each system. • Give a brief overview of the drivers and barriers to emerging aquaculture systems including a discussion on economic viability/profitability, on technical/biophysical constraints and on market issues. • Develop conclusions. The study was conducted between January 2006 and November 2007, the data collection taking place in the early stages followed by the analysis in the later stages.