The feasibility of offshore aquaculture and its potential for multi-use in the North Sea

• DOI: 10.1007/s10499-016-9987-y
• Publication Date: 2016-03-05T01:43:04Z
• Authors: Henrice M. Jansen; Sander Van Den Burg; Bas Bolman; Robbert G. Jak; Pauline Kamermans; Marnix Poelman; Marian Stuiver
• Keywords: Territorial waters; Blue mussel

Following the Blue Growth ambition of European Commission, interest in potential offshore is growing. This paper aimed to contribute discussion on feasibility aquaculture development and its for multi-use with other maritime activities. A review national international projects forms basis paper, where Dutch North Sea used as a case-study area. Analysis technical, economic ecological boundaries indicated that fish culture limited, seaweed cultivation likely gain when challenges related processing will be overcome mussel has highest near future. The an area many stakeholders claim space, which might set number sites available culture. Competing claims are source conflict but may also lead mutual benefits smart combinations sought, e.g. wind parks, fisheries nature conservation; especially, possibility combining or around parks worthwhile further explored. spatial distribution model adapted conditions demonstrated production farms can profitable. Yet, commercial still limited. Actions required stimulate industry presented government, private sector, research institutes civil society organizations.