Why Is Inland Aquaculture Important for the Sustainable Development of the Baltic States?
The discussion about the future of aquaculture is not only about fish farming. It is linked to much broader issues, including food security, the bioeconomy, climate resilience, rural development, innovation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Inland aquaculture has considerable development potential in the Baltic States, yet realising this potential involves a range of challenges. The key question is therefore not only whether aquaculture production can be increased, but also what kind of aquaculture development do we want?
Sustainable development requires economic, environmental, social and technological aspects to be considered together. On the one hand, aquaculture can contribute to food production and the development of the bioeconomy. On the other hand, its development must take into account the use of water resources, environmental requirements and the need to protect ecosystems.
In this context, technological development is also becoming increasingly important. Traditional production approaches coexist with more advanced production systems, including recirculating aquaculture systems. One of the research objectives of AQUA4DEV-BS is to conduct a comparative analysis of aquaculture systems in order to assess their development potential within the broader context of the Baltic States.
However, technology alone cannot address all the challenges. Aquaculture development is also influenced by regulation, investment opportunities, market conditions, governance and societal interests. An approach is therefore needed that considers technological opportunities alongside economic, institutional and environmental conditions.
The AQUA4DEV-BS research seeks to develop such an integrated Baltic perspective. The expected project outputs include a comparative Baltic perspective, policy recommendations, the AQUA4DEV-BS decision-support tool, scientific publications, and information and guidance for stakeholders.
From a broader perspective, the future of inland aquaculture is also about how to combine food production, innovation and economic development with the responsible use of natural resources.
It is at this intersection of science, technology, governance and practical experience that solutions for the sustainable development of inland aquaculture in the Baltic States are being explored.
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The information has been prepared in the framework of Activity 1.1.1.9 “Post-doctoral Research” of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 “Strengthening research and innovative capacities and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system” of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021-2027 research application No.1.1.1.9/LZP/2/25/218 “Potential of traditional and recirculation inland aquaculture for inclusive and intelligent fisheries development in the Baltic States (AQUA4DEV-BS)”.