There are large gaps in knowledge about the effects of emissions from fish farming has on different habitats. The lack of knowledge is worrying especially when it comes to habitats that are considered particularly vulnerable or that are habitat for important species such as cod, lobster and scallops.
This is going forward in the Effects of discharges from aquaculture on specific marine habitats, red listed habitat and species written on behalf of the Environment Directorate. The report pointed out that many of today’s fish farms are located very close vulnerable habitats. Since the knowledge of where these habitats occur along the coast is deficient, there is also a risk that the establishment of new facilities on or near the vulnerable habitats.
Two examples of habitats that it should be taken into account, the lime algae bottom and coral. If areas of these two species are destroyed, it can take thousands of years to establish new populations. Areas consisting of these two habitats have a very high output and is habitat for a hundred species, and thus have important ecological functions along the coast and in the fjords.
Natural Type Mapping localities before the establishment of new fish farms, as well as an assessment of the potential for migration of emissions from plants, may help to place plant which discharges to minimize negative impact on the surrounding environment.
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