Carbon footprint analysis of five salmonid aquaculture technologies

DFO is seeking the services of a consultant to conduct a carbon footprint analysis of five existing and emerging production technologies. Using primary and secondary research, the consultant will develop a methodology and conduct a carbon footprint analysis of the following five salmonid aquaculture production system technologies:

• land-based closed-containment (i.e. recirculating aquaculture systems [RAS]);
• floating closed-containment (semi-closed and/or fully closed);
• offshore technologies;
• hybrid systems (a combination of land-based closed-containment or floating semi-closed containment and traditional open net-pens), and;
• traditional open net-pens.

The consultant will also develop a case study for each of the five production technologies, explaining the technology and the results of the carbon footprint analysis of each. Where possible, the case studies should include photographs of the technology and simple schematics illustrating how the technology works.

Moreover, the consultant will compare the carbon footprints of each of the five salmonid aquaculture production systems. Finally, the consultant will develop a public-facing report explaining the methodology used and the results of the analysis.