Turning the sea into a farm, rather than traditional hunting grounds, has been touted by the United Nations as the means to battle a looming global seafood shortage. Yet, there are considerable fears that sea farming will have a negative affect on the environment. These fears have led the salmon farming industry in British Columbia, Canada to be one of the most highly regulated industries, with oversight from five federal agencies. This oversight includes a high degree of monitoring that makes heavy use of geospatial technology.
“Farms can only be sited in areas where water currents provide optimal conditions for fish health and environmental sustainability. Environmental monitoring involves computer modeling, water-quality sensors, satellite imaging and Geographic Information System technology, coupled with sea-floor sampling and video recording.”
With monitoring technology in place, the aquaculture industry can respond quickly to any detrimental environmental impacts, and can assure that production is optimal and sustainable. Read more about the industry in this editorial from the executive director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry.
