The Oregon Aquaculture Association (OAA), Business Oregon, Oregon State University (OSU), and Oregon Sea Grant (OSG) are finalizing the release of their Oregon Aquaculture Explorer Platform, a unique set of tools designed to advance aquaculture investment in the U.S. Using Oregon as a targeted case, this Platform includes geospatial and financial planning instruments that allow users (e.g., industry, state agencies/planners, investors) to make informed decisions about production systems by exploring spatial resources linked to financial models.
Currently, the tool has been built and peer reviewed for three inland aquaculture species: tilapia and sturgeon in recirculating systems, and hybrid striped bass in ponds. We are now in the process of beta testing and expanding the tool to include coastal and marine systems, as well as additional inland systems. The tool allows the user to select a site (choosing on a map or entering an address), develop an initial resource site report, and then determine likely costs for inputs including energy, water, feed, seed, and labor. Each of these costs can be refined based on the user’s estimates. A unique attribute of the platform is directly linking spatial data as inputs into the financial models. The tool allows the user to run multiple scenarios based on alternative production levels, costs, output prices, and resource constraints. Start-up costs, including construction and materials, are also considered. The tool provides a downloadable Excel file for the user to conduct more detailed and site specific analysis.
Although the initial phase of the project has focused on inland species and systems, phase two will focus on marine species and coastal and estuarine aquaculture. With the exception of oyster culture, estuarine and nearshore aquaculture is limited in Oregon. New research will focus on investment opportunities and challenges for novel and emerging systems and species such as red seaweed (dulse) and purple sea urchins.
The goal of this presentation is to provide an introduction to and overview of the Oregon Aquaculture Explorer Platform, highlight how potential users can benefit from the tools, and elicit feedback and conversation around potential refinements, species, and concerns.