A tools to anticipate the potential impacts of expanding marine salmon farming

Abstract

Abstract This study introduces the Salmon Farming Potential Impact Index (SFPII) as a comprehensive framework for evaluating the magnitude and spatial extent of these impacts. SFPII integrates four social-ecological sensitivity factors and a pressure factor. Our analysis, focusing on Southern Patagonia in Chile, reveals distinct spatial patterns within the SFPII values: i) a gradient from east to west, predominantly in the northern region, reflecting ecosystem sensitivity influenced by abiotic attributes, and ii) two areas of significantly higher SFPII scores, primarily attributed to the distribution of farming pressure. These high-score areas are interconnected by regions with low SFPII values, primarily influenced by maritime traffic linked to salmon farming operations. The SFPII integration into sustainability frameworks ensures ongoing monitoring, allowing for adaptive management strategies to maintain aquaculture practices within acceptable ecological limits. Moreover, SFPII fosters transparency and stakeholder engagement, facilitating collaborative efforts towards sustainable salmon farming practices and the conservation of marine ecosystems.