Are closed production technologies the solution to the sustainable challenges?

Abstract

Norwegian aquaculture is in a state of sustainable challenges that much be solved regarding traditional open net-pen production infrastructure. The Norwegian aquaculture industry currently finds itself in a state of sustainable challenges with the primary traditional open net-pen production infrastructure. These challenges have led to the stagnant production of salmon in recent years and rising production costs, even with the growing demand for protein-rich salmon. The government wants to invest in the aquaculture industry by increasing production by 2050 and increasing value creation in Norway. This has led to the radical technological development of land-based closed containment systems and sea-based semi-closed containment systems to potentially solve the environmental and biological challenges faced in the industry. Moreover, this phenomenon has spurred the government to develop aquaculture permits intended to promote these technological production initiatives.

In this thesis, we seek to discover “What economic benefits does society achieve by basing further growth on technology for closed facilities?” We achieve this through using an exploratory qualitative method. This thesis is considered a comparative case study where the purpose is to provide a basis for assessing the role of two types of closed-cage technologies and how it can play in further growth and development in Norwegian aquaculture. To answer the research question, we have collected primary data through qualitative interviews with Tytlandsvik Aqua and FishGLOBE, representing their respective closed technologies. Secondary data was collected through archival and documentary research from various research reports, news articles, et cetera. Based on our qualitative research methods, we have conducted a cost-benefit analysis, production cost calculations and sensitivity analysis to compare the closed-cage technologies against each other.

The results show that there are advantages and disadvantages with both technologies, and it is challenging to control microbial and chemical water quality. Findings indicate that land-based facilities are more expensive than semi-closed facilities, mainly due to various factors. Common to both technologies is that they can solve the problem related to lice and diseases and reduce the climate footprint. The technologies can thus lead to sustainable production growth while reducing environmental challenges. Furthermore, we discuss the implication of potential repercussions closed technologies can have on society. An increased production volume and implementation can boost the export industry to meet global demand and increase employment. Although the biggest obstacle to closed-cage implementation is the high capital cost, several environmental trade-offs are discussed, compensating for the high investment. Finally, findings imply fostering innovation and research and development for closed-cage technology to develop to its full potential. Today, combining both closed-cage and traditional open net-pen will be a potential solution, as it will only be a supplement to current production.