Aquaculture’s struggle for space: the need for coastal spatial planning and the potential benefits of Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZAs) to avoid conflict and promote sustainability

Abstract

Aquaculture is an increasingly important food-producing sector, providing protein for human consumption. However, marine aquaculture often struggles for space due to the crowded nature of human activities in many marine coastal areas, and because of limited attention from spatial planning managers. Here, we assess the need for coastal spatial planning, emphasising the establishment of suitable areas for the development of marine aquaculture, termed Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZAs), in which aquaculture has secured use and priority over other activities, and where potential adverse environmental impacts and negative interactions with other users are minimised or avoided. We review existing examples of marine aquaculture spatial development worldwide and discuss the proper use of site selection in relation to different legal and regulatory requirements. National or regional authorities in charge of coastal zone management should carry out spatial planning defining optimal sites for aquaculture to promote development of sustainable marine aquaculture and avoid conflict with other users, following a participatory approach and adhering to the principles of ecosystem-based management.

Multi‐stakeholder perspectives on spatial planning processes for mariculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea

“…; Sanchez‐Jerez et al . ). More broadly, there needs to be an expansion of aquaculture spatial planning in the Mediterranean and Black Sea area, as in other regions, using the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA) as part of an overall aquaculture governance structure.…”

“…As documented by Sanchez‐Jerez et al . () lack of space is one of the main hampering factors for further expansion of marine aquaculture. In a European context, Hofherr et al .…”

“…Aquaculture growth is not just a matter of producing fishit is part of a complex value chain that is itself influenced by a range of environmental, societal and governmental factors that make the difference between a successful or failed initiative; it includes onshore and offshore support facilities, ancillary activities and requires space in areas often considered to be part of the public domain. As documented by Sanchez-Jerez et al (2016) lack of space is one of the main hampering factors for further expansion of marine aquaculture. In a European context, Hofherr et al (2015) noted that, with the exception of Malta, the amount of European coastline affected by fish aquaculture in each country assessed is <3% and, in most places, <1%, with production sites on average located between 50 m and 1 km from the coast.…”

“…GFCM/36/2012/1) that provides guidelines on allocated zones for aquaculture (AZA) (FAO 2012). It is not a mandatory regulation, but the resolution acts as a basic framework to guide GFCM contracting parties in the establishment of AZA (Chapela Perez 2017) which has occurred in some Mediterranean and Black Sea countries (Yucel-Gier et al 2013;Sanchez-Jerez et al 2016). More broadly, there needs to be an expansion of aquaculture spatial planning in the Mediterranean and Black Sea area, as in other regions, using the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA) as part of an overall aquaculture governance structure.…”

Assessing the influence of gilthead sea bream escapees in landings of Mediterranean fisheries through a scale‐based methodology

“…Currently, there is growing concern to ensure the sustainable integration of Mediterranean marine aquaculture in coastal areas (Sanchez‐Jerez et al . ). Consequently, specific regulations to prevent/minimise the aforementioned negative effects of fish escaping from sea cages will be further developed, as in other countries, for example Norway, Canada and Australia (references in Izquierdo‐Gómez et al .…”