Corals and sponges on the seabed were photographed with an ROV.
Photo: Institute of Marine Research
FHF - Norwegian Seafood Research Fund and the Institute of Marine Research present a research project aimed at providing knowledge and promoting more precise assessments of the impacts of aquaculture emissions on vulnerable species on the seabed.
The project warns that distance to the facility is not always as decisive as water flow, which is influenced by currents, seabed conditions, and underwater topography.
For example, particles from leftover feed and waste can move in certain directions before settling on the seabed. Because of this, a coral or sponge area can be more exposed than another, even if they are the same distance away.
Therefore, the researchers, who have studied the seabed at seven aquaculture sites in Møre og Romsdal and Nordland, recommend more site-specific assessments based on hydrodynamic modelling and expected sediment deposition.
More specifically, the project indicates that the most sensitive species to organic emissions is the fan sponge. Also, it notes that the giant clam, kohlrabi sponge, and “sea tree” show sensitivity. In contrast, rock mussels appear to be more resilient in this study.
"When we know more about where and how emissions affect different species, we will have a much better basis for assessing risk and making good decisions about location and operation," said Eirik Ruud Sigstadstø, Head of Aquaculture at FHF.
Also, he mentioned: "This is not about stopping development, but about giving industry and management a better basis for decision-making. With more precise knowledge about bottom conditions, currents, and vulnerable species, new locations can be assessed better, and existing operations can be followed up in a more targeted manner."