Aquaculture in Sweden: challenges and opportunities : Perspectives on sustainable aquaculture development

Abstract: The global population is expected to increase and the greatest challenge for the world’s food-producing sector is to secure food and nutrition through sustainable production methods and reduced waste. Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and algae, and has a significant role in providing food and employment as the demand for food is increasing. In this study, conventional open-net pen farming was compared to semi-closed aquaculture systems (S-CCS), as well as the possibility of implementing integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) in Sweden. Open-net pens are cost-effective and well-proven methods, but due to environmental impacts, the opportunities are limited. Cultivation in S-CCS reduces the environmental impact by strengthening the barrier between the cultivated organism and the surroundings. Implementing IMTA offers the potential for diversification of aquaculture production and economic yield. Sweden has major potential to develop competitive aquaculture through sustainable technological solutions and by diversifying productivity.