The Specific Exposure Energy index describes site energy and is recommended to communicate the exposure level of aquaculture sites.
The term “offshore” with regards to aquaculture has previously included various perspectives, including technology, geographic location and legal jurisdiction, among others. To resolve ambiguity in this term and understand its implications for current and future aquaculture development, recent research suggests that “offshore” should be redefined into two distinct metrics: distance from shore and energy exposure.
The paper – authored by Tyler Sclodnick, M.S., principal scientist at Innovasea (Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada) along with 12 other scientists from various research institutions, private companies and government agencies in the United States, Portugal, Norway, Germany and New Zealand – highlights the importance of redefining the terminology related to offshore aquaculture. The authors argue that this is essential for effective communication and standardization within research and industry.
The paper discusses the development of six indices and their use to quantify the exposure, the influence and interactions of various oceanic parameters, and recommend one of these indices; and reports on the examination of 20 potential aquaculture sites to determine tolerances of the structures and their ability to cultivate their relevant species.
“Our paper summarizes the discussion on open ocean aquaculture and the need for better terms and tools to describe this sub-sector of the industry, and the creation of specific, science-based definitions for the terms ‘offshore’ and ‘exposed.’ It also summarizes each of the 13 articles contributed by the ICES Working Group for Open Ocean Aquaculture (WGOOA) to the special issue of Frontiers in Aquaculture and offers insight into research gaps and opportunities to advance the industry,” Sclodnick told the Advocate. “We hope that this effort will allow all the stakeholders in open ocean aquaculture, including farmers, regulators, equipment suppliers, investors, lenders, insurers and others to describe and understand the environments in which farms exist and appreciate the risks and opportunities those environments present.”
The ICES Open Ocean Aquaculture Group is undertaking an effort to redefine and clarify the terminology used in aquaculture, specifically transitioning from vague uses of “offshore aquaculture” to terms that describe the environment more quantitatively such as “exposed aquaculture.” The group proposes the establishment of an index that properly describes the level of exposure at a given site.
This index will be the primary tool for communicating the energetic conditions at a site and can be used by regulators, equipment designers and retailers, insurance underwriters, farm managers and other industry participants in understanding, evaluating and comparing farm locations. And they encourage the use of the term “offshore” to refer specifically to the distance from shore, which can be further described by simply stating the distance.
‘Spatiotemporal patterns’ indicate improving perceptions of aquaculture
The influence and interactions of oceanic parameters (water depth, water current and wave height and period) was used to generate six indices to rigorously quantify the exposure. Of these, two of these indices – Specific Exposure Energy (SEE) and Exposure Velocity (EV) – were selected for use in the analysis of sites based on their ease of use and applicability. The interaction between the energy indices and various aspects of farm operations and performance were explored. The indices developed and used in the case studies presented have been shown to be useful tools in the general assessment of the energy that will influence the species and equipment selection at potential aquaculture sites.
The indices do not provide a definitive answer as to the potential financial success of a site as this requires other inputs relating to infrastructure costs, annual production, distance from port, sales strategy, etc. However, the Specific Exposure Energy index creates a useful tool to describe site energy and be comprehensible to a wide range of stakeholders. The authors recommend the SEE index be adopted as the predominant tool to communicate the exposure level of aquaculture sites.
The need to expand ocean aquaculture has emerged due to various factors, including the growing demand for sustainable protein sources, and increased competition for sheltered marine locations and areas near urban centers. Expanding aquaculture operations into offshore and exposed waters presents opportunities to alleviate strain on coastal areas with limited space, address challenges posed by climate change and pollution on nearshore aquaculture sites and access new resources.
“Developing economically viable aquaculture in energetic oceans will be costly. These ICES studies use advanced physical oceanography to develop metrics that can guide site selection better than ever before,” co-author Dr. Barry Costa-Pierce told the Advocate.
To ensure sustainable and efficient marine production, this will require the following actions:
- A solid definition of the terms related to the site description where aquaculture takes place (not just “offshore,” “exposed” or others) (see Buck et al., 2024).
- A thorough understanding of the legal framework for all regions of our seas, marginal seas, bays, fjords, etc., especially for “offshore” and “exposed” areas (see Markus, 2024 in this compilation).
- Provision of trustworthy metrics (indices) for quantifying the exposure of aquaculture sites (see Lojek et al., 2024 in this compilation).
- An understanding of the applications of the exposure indices (see Heasman et al., 2024a, 2024b in this compilation).
- An understanding of the financial impacts of the transition to farming systems suitable for exposed environments (see Dewhurst et al., 2024); and
- An understanding of the social science implications of “offshore,” “exposed” and other regions for marine aquaculture.
Defining the terminology associated with offshore aquaculture is essential for effective communication and standardization within research and industry. The ICES WGOOA has worked to redefine and clarify terms such as “offshore” and “exposed” based on distance from shore and hydrodynamic conditions. This effort aims to establish a comprehensive index that accurately describes the level of exposure at a given aquaculture site.
Standardized terminology and site categorization provide a more precise understanding of the conditions and challenges associated with specific aquaculture locations. It enables stakeholders to evaluate physical attributes, engineering considerations, logistics, biology, health and safety, operations and management, social and environmental factors, economics and policy and regulation.
The development of offshore aquaculture requires technological advancements that can operate effectively in more exposed ocean environments. Revolutionary breakthroughs and adaptations in technology, cultivation methodologies, as well as improvements in operations and maintenance procedures are necessary to ensure safe and sustainable operations. The utilization of indices, such as the exposure indices proposed by the ICES WGOOA, allows for the assessment of aquaculture sites in terms of potential and risk. The use of these indices is free/open access for every interested individual.
“By addressing the need for offshore and exposed aquaculture through the establishment of precise definitions, technological advancements, and the utilization of standardized assessment methods, the industry can navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with expanding aquaculture into these environments. With a concerted effort from researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, aquaculture in distant and exposed environments has the potential to meet the increasing global demand for seafood while ensuring sustainability and environmental stewardship,” concluded the study authors.
Now that you've reached the end of the article ...
… please consider supporting GSA’s mission to advance responsible seafood practices through education, advocacy and third-party assurances. The Advocate aims to document the evolution of responsible seafood practices and share the expansive knowledge of our vast network of contributors.
By becoming a Global Seafood Alliance member, you’re ensuring that all of the pre-competitive work we do through member benefits, resources and events can continue. Individual membership costs just $50 a year.
Not a GSA member? Join us.
Author
-
Darryl Jory, Ph.D.
Editor Emeritus
Responsible Seafood Advocate[103,114,111,46,100,111,111,102,97,101,115,108,97,98,111,108,103,64,121,114,111,106,46,108,121,114,114,97,100]
Tagged With
Related Posts

Innovation & Investment
‘Almost as if they’re wild’ – Offshore aquaculture startup Forever Oceans is gaining confidence farming in deep water
With patented modular fish enclosures, sensors and software, Forever Oceans uses offshore aquaculture to raise Kanpachi fish, with bold expansion plans ahead.

Innovation & Investment
Aquaculture Exchange: Barry Costa-Pierce, UNE
University of New England Professor Barry Costa-Pierce says aquaculture is often neglected in studies examining ocean health and ecosystem and resource management. The “Ocean Prosperity Roadmap” released this summer, he said, was more of the same.

Innovation & Investment
‘Possible, but still far away’: Offshore wind farms and aquaculture may one day go hand-in-hand
Initiatives to unite aquaculture and offshore wind farms are popping up globally but they face technical, cost and environmental challenges.

Responsibility
Do you know offshore aquaculture when you see it?
Researchers have determined that a definition of “offshore aquaculture” was necessary to critically assess the impacts and benefits of moving fish farming operations “slightly farther and slightly deeper” out to sea.