The terms “offshore” and “open ocean” have been used to describe aquaculture sites that are further from the coast or in higher energy environments. Neither term has been clearly defined in scientific literature or in a legal context and are often used interchangeably. For example, Farmer A is located at an exposed site close to shore with waves up to 6 m, while Farmer B is located in shallower waters but is a further distance off the coast. While Farmer A invests in robust designs and engineering to survive as she fights against the strong forces of waves and currents, Farmer B has more of a focus on better logistics as she has to overcome issues related to accessibility. Both farmers see their concepts as challenges, although these are fundamentally different. Nevertheless, the two farmers both define their undertakings as being part of ’offshore’ aquaculture. The terms above, and other related terms (e.g., “exposed”, “high-energy”), refer to specific aspects of a site, usually the geographic distance from shore or infrastructure, or the level of exposure to an extended fetch leading to large waves and strong currents.
The main benefits of establishing clear definitions are: 1) promoting common understanding and avoiding misuse for different classifications, which can lead to misinterpretation and confusion among different actors, such as NGOs, licensers, and federal agencies; 2) enabling regulators to identify the characteristics of a marine site; 3) allowing farmers to be able to assess or quantitatively compare sites for development; 4) equipping developers and producers to identify operational parameters in which the equipment and vessels will need to be operating; and 5) providing insurers and investors with better means to assess risk and premiums.
The key differences between these terms are discussed as well as the importance of clearer meanings for various interest groups. The progress of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) Working Group on Open Ocean Aquaculture to develop set of definitions and a rigorous exposure index are presented and additional time for audience engagement and feedback will be provided.