Effects of location guidance on the fish farming economy

Location guidance helps seek out optimal fish farming sites that can minimize the negative environmental effects and maximize economic gain. Both can be attained by parallel measures, for example, an economically sound location can encourage entrepreneurs to investment in environmental technology.

The goal of the project

Fish farming enterprises are scattered around the Finnish archipelago. The aim of the project was to study the changes in the profitability and socio-economic factors caused by a hypothetical centralization and relocation of fish farms into environmentally and economically optimal areas. Furthermore, the changes in the values of real estate, employment, local monetary flows and added value produced were assessed.

Photo: Tarja Aro

Results

Relocating and centralizing fish farming units would significantly improve the profitability and operational preconditions of entrepreneurs. The change was also assessed to be justified when considered from the socio-economic perspective. However, the economic efficiency of location guidance should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Scientist in charge of project

Jari Setälä
Turku Game and Fisheries Research
Itäinen Pitkäkatu 3, FIN- 20520-Turku, Finland
Phone: +358 205 751 682
e-mail: firstname.lastname@rktl.fi

Other research staff: Markus Kankainen

Cooperation: Turku University of Applied Sciences, Mannerlohi Oy, Pyhämaan Lohi oy, Esan kala Oy, Rauman Lohi Oy, Varanpään Lohi Oy

Duration: 2006–2007

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