We need more methods to assess aquaculture's environmental effects, researchers insist

The FHF project MetoMilo, led by the Research Manager Trine Dale at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), is focused on the research for methods that can identify the contribution of different sources of influence to environmental status.

Currently, the effects of aquaculture and fisheries on marine ecosystems are based on sampling and monitoring of water, plants, animals, and bottom sediment which provides data for standardized environmental indicators of chemical and biological conditions, according to Akvaplan-niva, which collaborates in this project.

Thanks to MetoMilo project, researchers will provide methods that can identify the contribution of different sources of influence to environmental status.

In more detail, these alternative techniques will help with spatial planning, tailoring monitoring programs, assessing risks for species and habitats of high value, and clarifying individual cases.

Akvaplan-niva hopes that consultants, advisers, and business operators will be encouraged to initiate environmental investigations themselves based on the new methods.

The project is funded by FHF - Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry Research. Also, Nofima, IFE, Blue Planet, and Nova Sea have collaborated.

About Akvaplan-niva

Akvaplan-niva is a non-profit research institute that provides expert knowledge and advice on the aquatic environment and the impacts of climate change, environmental toxins, and industries like the aquaculture and energy sector.

Its service portfolio includes environmental monitoring surveys, impact and risk assessments, emergency preparedness, decision support services, Arctic environmental research, aquaculture design and management, R&D on new aquaculture species, and several accredited environmental, technical, and analytical services.