3 SCOPING

The first step in spatial planning is scoping, which includes as the main tasks: collection of baseline information, definition of priorities for aquaculture, identifying stakeholders, and setting broad objectives. It is important in this step to define the boundaries of both the management unit and the ecosystem, which are often different.

Availability of baseline data (through a baseline report) is essential. Not only does a proper baseline report enable a project to measure impact, it also ensures that everyone is clear regarding the challenges, opportunities and issues for sustainable aquaculture development.
Led by the aquaculture task team, scoping is the largely subjective weighing of national and regional development and conservation objectives.
It influences decision-making at all subsequent levels of aquaculture spatial planning and management.
The main processes undertaken in scoping include:
• review of national and subnational priorities for aquaculture;
• identification of relevant stakeholders for consultation;
• review and possible adaptation of laws, policies, regulations and institutional frameworks affecting aquaculture;
• identification of general issues and opportunities; and
• identification of potential for cultured species and farming systems.

 

3.1 Review of national and subnational priorities for aquaculture

 

The first step is to understand the priorities that the government attaches to the aquaculture sector relative to other national or subnational priorities for economic development and natural resource conservation. There is a need to understand whether aquaculture is to be undertaken for food and/or food security, income generation, expanding the tax base, local jobs, some other expected benefit, or a combination with differing priorities. The answers to these issues will determine the amount of land, water, institutional resources, types of systems, and aquaculture species that will be targeted for government support and development. For example, government revenues may be higher with a focus on high-value species for export grown in seawater cages by large corporations with relatively few employees, meaning that aquaculture sector planning should focus on coastal areas and on developing strong relationships with the private sector. Pond aquaculture of cheaper species by smalland medium-scale farms employing relatively large numbers of local people could supply more fish to local markets at reasonable prices for consumers, but will require land and freshwater that may or may not be locally available. Acceptable levels of risk to important biodiversity or natural areas are other key considerations to be weighed. Reviewing priorities, therefore, influences the decisions made in relation to the type of aquaculture development that could be undertaken. Consultation with stakeholders is critical in clarifying national priorities.