Network Session - Ecological Carrying Capacity of Aquaculture

Given the current levels of understanding and experience in the implementation of ecological carrying capacity monitoring for aquaculture, there is now a need to explore the possibility of developing guidelines for more cost effective, less data intensive ecological carrying capacity monitoring techniques. It is important that these guidelines draw on expert knowledge to provide guidance on the choice of indicators for ecological carrying capacity (ECC) of aquaculture. During the network session, the conveners presented the results of a systematic literature review that was conducted in advance of the meeting. The goal of the review was to identify indicators of ecological carrying capacity for bivalve aquaculture and seaweed aquaculture. This review parallels the earlier work published on environmental indicators of salmon work. To compliment the identification of indicators for ECC of aquaculture, and to bring additional context to the discussion, the network session was used as a platform to address four (4) questions that challenge scientists and resource managers. The 16 session participants entered their responses in SLIDO polling system and then verbally shared their responses with the group. The review and the discussion generated at the network session were intended to address WGECCA’s ToR c pertaining to indicators of Ecological Carrying Capacity.