The FINFARMGIS method helps to assess the location of a fish farm
Researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) have developed the FINFARMGIS method (FINFA), which can be used to identify the area’s best suited to the various stages of fish farming using a spatial data tool. The method simultaneously considers several factors that has an influence for the location of fish farming.
The method has been used in enviromental licence process for fish farming companies, marine planning, zoning, and public fish farming production development projects, such as planning production sites in state or municipal waters.
Diverse and comprehensive assessment of the location of fish farms
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The FINFA analysis consist of a clear spatial data presentation and a supporting report that justifies the suitability of the area for fish farming.
- The FINFA analysis contains the most up-to-date information and a comprehensive range of characteristics, allowing the location to be assessed more comprehensively. In addition, information and new criteria affecting location control are constantly updated in the method as the information increases
- With the help of FINFA analysis it is possible to build other additional analysis services for environmental licence applications, such as production volume assessment and nutrient modeling.
FINFARMGIS method weighs up environmental impacts
The FINFARMGIS service produces a report for the customer with map attachments. The report contains the FINFA analysis for the desired area. The report includes an assessment of the suitability of the area in terms of various factors and a recommendation of possible fish farming sites. The report can be directly attached to the client's environmental application. The method takes into account such factors as other uses of the water body, depth and openness, biodiversity and ecological status, and distance to reefs, bird sanctuaries, holiday resorts and the shore. In addition, the FINFA analysis provides an initial assessment of good locations in terms of nutrient loads, which can be accompanied by more detailed nutrient load modelling, if necessary, based on production volume estimates. The modelling is produced by, for example, the Finnish Environment Institute or another modeller.
Production volume estimation and participation method as part of spatial data analysis
In addition to the spatial analysis, the service can also include a production volume estimate for the site in question. The production volume estimate is based on the production volumes allocated to existing installations and the environmental conditions of the site. The analysis can also be based on a participatory method, allowing local residents and cottage owners to give their views on the fish farms, which are marked on a map produced by FINFARMGIS.
We offer strong expertise in fish farming
Luke’s experts have strong expertise in fish farming and factors that should be taken into account in location management and environmental permit applications for fish farming and how the environmental impact of farming can be reduced.
In offshore education, the best way to reduce impacts is through location control; Luke has been developing a national location management plan and developing the FINFA tool for location management. Luke works closely with other experts, such as the Finnish Environment Institute, on how to assess environmental impacts, reduce nuisances and increase production. Luke is an independent body that provides research-based expert services.
FINFARMGIS
Several different factors have been considered simultaneously in identifying the best fish farming areas. Most of the factors are related to the minimization of the environmental impact of the facilities, but the analysis also takes into account economic and social aspects as also the other uses of the water area to optimize the total sustainability.
Factors that affect location include, for example
- depth of sea area
- transparency of the maritime area
- sea area flow
- distance to underwater reefs in Natura 2000 sites
- distance to bird nesting islands in Natura 2000 sites
- distance to the peaks of underwater marine nature
- distance to existing point loaders at sea
- ecological status of water bodies
- functional distance to the beach
- holiday population density
The method also excludes areas where fish farming is not possible, for example national parks, conservation areas or shipping lanes.
Take a look at the customer case study
Reference
Fish and fishery
FINFARMGIS is a part of the EU-funded Research Infrastructure project 'AquaServ - Research services for sustainable aquaculture, fisheries and blue economy', through which Luke's infrastructure is available for international researchers and developers.
