Strategic site selection for sustainable land-based fish farming

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are land-based aquaculture facilities that reduce water usage by filtering and adjusting it for reuse. This makes farms with RAS technology more water-efficient by recycling water to minimise usage and waste discharge. They also enable better waste management, recovering nutrients for reuse and preventing pollution from entering the surrounding ecosystems. Additionally, the separation from natural bodies of water reduces the risk of disease and parasites, safeguarding both farmed and wild fish populations.

By thoughtfully selecting the right location, land-based fish farming can offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional practices, providing a reliable source of seafood while helping to protect the environment for future generations.

The success of these projects hinges on rigorous planning, particularly in the early stages. One of the most critical decisions is the site selection, as it directly influences both the actual feasibility of the project and its long-term viability.  

Choosing location for a RAS fish farm

Choosing the right location for a RAS fish farm depends on several variables, including the following well-known prerequisites:

Stable political environment and efficient permitting processes

Political stability ensures clear, predictable rules and reduces the risk of sudden regulatory changes that can heavily affect operations. This condition boosts the investors confidence in the project. Efficient permitting avoids delays and extra costs by securing rapid approvals for licenses and environmental checks.  

A stable political environment also fosters good relationships with local communities, which is crucial for the project acceptance. If locals have concerns, such as potential pollution from the farm or animal welfare, these issues must be addressed early on through transparency and responsible practices to ensure long-term trust and cooperation with the people and with the authorities.

Adequate water availability and high water quality

This is a “must have” to allow smooth operations although it doesn’t necessarily have to be the purest ground water. In fact, there are proven filtration technologies on the market that allow for effective pre-treatment of the water before sending it to the system. This is however a broad subject, and each case needs a dedicated study.

Reliable energy infrastructure

RAS technology is a highly energy-demanding industry. The grid must be able to satisfy, with a great security margin, the estimated energy consumption of the farm. Several locations in Europe and abroad suffer from unstable power supply on the grid. In some areas, this can result in frequent power cuts that can cause several problems to the farm and represent a serious threat for the fish.

Proximity to other facilities that could foster synergies

Being close to other facilities can create valuable synergies. For instance, energy from nearby industries, like residual form of heat or water, can be used to regulate water temperature, cutting energy costs.

Biogas can generate energy from fish waste, promoting circularity and sustainability.

Fish by-products can be valued in industries like pharmaceuticals, fashion or pet food.  

Key considerations for selecting the ideal site for land-based fish farming

In some cases, an ideal location may excel in certain aspects but fall short in others. For instance, a site with excellent water quality may lack reliable energy infrastructure or have limited road connectivity. Balancing these factors and addressing gaps proactively is key to ensuring the farm's success.