70
M. Holmer et al.
sampling and sample processing of macrofauna in soft sediments (Norwegian
Standards Association 1998). In addition, information is obtained on other parameters that may be used to determine if organic material is of fish farm origin. The
pollution control authorities have defined threshold values for environmental quality of fjords and coastal waters (Molvær et al. 1997), and these are applied to the
C-investigation in the receiving water body. However, specific threshold values are
provided in NS-9410 when the investigation is made close to the farm.
Both the B- and the C-investigations are carried out by private firms and
research institutions.
2.2.4 Models and Coastal Zone Planning
The use of models is not compulsory in environmental regulation of Norwegian
aquaculture, but models have been developed which may be helpful. In conjunction
with the development of the MOM monitoring programme, a model was made to
estimate the maximum production of fish that could be allowed at a site without
exceeding the holding capacity at the site (Stigebrandt et al. 2004). The model comprises four sub-models (a fish model, a water quality model, a dispersion model and
a benthic model) and is linked to a previously developed model on environmental
quality in fjords (Aure and Stigebrandt 1990). The sub-models can be altered individually as new knowledge is acquired or as new management procedures or fish
species are introduced. The scope of the model system may also be expanded to
include other environmental effects of fish farming related to the use of chemicals
and medicines. The model was developed so it can be utilised by both environmental
administrators and fish farmers.
Additionally, a growth and advection model for pelagic sea lice copepods has
been developed (Asplin et al. 2004). The dispersion of sea lice in coastal waters and
fjords depends on the production of sea lice larvae, and thus is influenced by
farmed fish at various locations, and by the hydrography of the waters and currents,
which are in turn greatly influenced by the wind. The model is currently being
tested and so far the results of the model have compared well with observations in
a major fjord (Sognefjorden).
In the future, environmental impact is expected to gain increasing focus as the competition for space and resources in the coastal zone grows. Sustainability and integration
with other coastal activities are therefore fundamental for the viability of the aquaculture industry. In Norway, a system is under development that covers both the
planning and the operational phases of aquaculture, and which can ensure an efficient
use of areas available for aquaculture and can adjust the environmental impact of the
industry to the holding capacity of the area. Information on topography and hydrography, as well as an overview of allocation of different uses and environmental status, will
be combined with simulation models to locate aquaculture activities and to adapt the
environmental impact to local and regional conditions. Monitoring will be an important
element, which will ensure that the holding capacity is not exceeded.
M. Holmer et al.
sampling and sample processing of macrofauna in soft sediments (Norwegian
Standards Association 1998). In addition, information is obtained on other parameters that may be used to determine if organic material is of fish farm origin. The
pollution control authorities have defined threshold values for environmental quality of fjords and coastal waters (Molvær et al. 1997), and these are applied to the
C-investigation in the receiving water body. However, specific threshold values are
provided in NS-9410 when the investigation is made close to the farm.
Both the B- and the C-investigations are carried out by private firms and
research institutions.
2.2.4 Models and Coastal Zone Planning
The use of models is not compulsory in environmental regulation of Norwegian
aquaculture, but models have been developed which may be helpful. In conjunction
with the development of the MOM monitoring programme, a model was made to
estimate the maximum production of fish that could be allowed at a site without
exceeding the holding capacity at the site (Stigebrandt et al. 2004). The model comprises four sub-models (a fish model, a water quality model, a dispersion model and
a benthic model) and is linked to a previously developed model on environmental
quality in fjords (Aure and Stigebrandt 1990). The sub-models can be altered individually as new knowledge is acquired or as new management procedures or fish
species are introduced. The scope of the model system may also be expanded to
include other environmental effects of fish farming related to the use of chemicals
and medicines. The model was developed so it can be utilised by both environmental
administrators and fish farmers.
Additionally, a growth and advection model for pelagic sea lice copepods has
been developed (Asplin et al. 2004). The dispersion of sea lice in coastal waters and
fjords depends on the production of sea lice larvae, and thus is influenced by
farmed fish at various locations, and by the hydrography of the waters and currents,
which are in turn greatly influenced by the wind. The model is currently being
tested and so far the results of the model have compared well with observations in
a major fjord (Sognefjorden).
In the future, environmental impact is expected to gain increasing focus as the competition for space and resources in the coastal zone grows. Sustainability and integration
with other coastal activities are therefore fundamental for the viability of the aquaculture industry. In Norway, a system is under development that covers both the
planning and the operational phases of aquaculture, and which can ensure an efficient
use of areas available for aquaculture and can adjust the environmental impact of the
industry to the holding capacity of the area. Information on topography and hydrography, as well as an overview of allocation of different uses and environmental status, will
be combined with simulation models to locate aquaculture activities and to adapt the
environmental impact to local and regional conditions. Monitoring will be an important
element, which will ensure that the holding capacity is not exceeded.