Cermaq’s semi-closed salmon farming system ‘most advanced in Canada’, but expansion stalls – Undercurrent News

Assessment of Land-Based and Closed Containment Salmon Farming in Canada

Overview

A recent federal-provincial report has evaluated the current status of land-based and closed containment salmon farming systems in Canada. The report identifies Cermaq Canada’s Semi-Closed Containment System (SCCS) as the most advanced technology in the country. However, it also highlights that the wider adoption of such systems has stalled, raising concerns about their ability to contribute effectively to Canada’s aquaculture transition goals set for 2029.

Significance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The advancement of semi-closed containment systems aligns with SDG 12 by promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that minimize environmental impact.
• Closed containment systems reduce pollution and waste discharge into natural water bodies, supporting responsible production methods.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• By limiting the interaction between farmed salmon and wild ecosystems, SCCS contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
• The technology helps prevent disease transmission and escapes, protecting biodiversity in aquatic environments.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The development and implementation of advanced containment systems demonstrate innovation in aquaculture infrastructure.
• Encouraging technological advancements supports resilient and sustainable industrial growth within the aquaculture sector.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Adoption Barriers: Despite the technological progress represented by Cermaq Canada’s SCCS, the broader industry adoption remains limited.
2. Timeline Risks: The slow uptake of closed containment systems casts doubt on meeting the federal aquaculture transition timeline targeted for 2029.
3. Environmental Impact: Without widespread implementation of sustainable systems, risks to marine ecosystems and wild fish populations persist.

Recommendations for Future Action

• Policy Support: Strengthen federal and provincial policies to incentivize the adoption of advanced containment technologies.
• Investment in Innovation: Increase funding for research and development to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of closed containment systems.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster partnerships among government, industry, and communities to accelerate sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring frameworks to assess environmental outcomes and progress towards SDG targets.

Conclusion

The federal-provincial report underscores the critical role of semi-closed containment salmon farming systems in advancing Canada’s sustainable aquaculture objectives. Emphasizing alignment with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12, SDG 14, and SDG 9, the report calls for enhanced efforts to overcome adoption challenges. Achieving the 2029 aquaculture transition timeline will require coordinated action to promote innovation, responsible production, and marine ecosystem conservation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article discusses salmon farming, specifically land-based and closed containment systems, which directly relate to sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on advanced semi-closed containment systems and the transition timeline for aquaculture indicates efforts towards sustainable production practices.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The mention of the most advanced semi-closed containment system highlights innovation in aquaculture technology.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14 – Target 14.4: “By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans…”
   • The article’s focus on closed containment systems aligns with reducing environmental impacts of aquaculture and improving sustainability.
2. SDG 12 – Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.”
   • The adoption of semi-closed containment systems aims to improve resource efficiency in salmon farming.
3. SDG 9 – Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors…”
   • The article highlights Cermaq Canada’s advanced technology in semi-closed containment systems as a form of innovation in aquaculture.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 14.4.1: “Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.”
   • Implied through the discussion on sustainable salmon farming practices and transition timelines to more sustainable systems.
2. Indicator 12.2.1: “Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.”
   • Implied by the emphasis on efficient use of resources in salmon farming through advanced containment systems.
3. Indicator 9.5.1: “Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.”
   • Implied by the reference to advanced technology and innovation in aquaculture systems.
4. Additional Implied Indicator: Adoption rate of semi-closed containment systems in aquaculture.
   • The article notes that broader adoption has stalled, suggesting monitoring the percentage of farms using SCCS as an indicator.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: undercurrentnews.com