Introduction of re-circulating aquaculture systems (RAS) for Southern England (Turbot on Portland).

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1 Introduction of re-circulating aquaculture systems (RAS) for Southern England (Turbot on Portland). & Joint Landfish / Cefas workshop to discuss the Landfish project on Portland. 15th April 2015 Presented by Keith Jeffery (Cefas) on behalf of Michael Ford (Landfish)

2 Landfish Director - Michael J.H Ford 1. Passionate about farming fish on land in RAS 2. Helping fisherman to diversify and develop sources of income during winter 3. Restoration of salmon rivers using aquaculture Landfish recently formed but researching projects for several years

3 Landfish Working primarily with AKVA - Visits to Denmark / Scandinavia Has investigated / looking at many RAS sites in Scotland and the West country. Contact made with Cefas 2012 Signed an MOU with Cefas July 2014 Collaborative science around RAS systems Secure wider funding for related aquaculture projects (E&W) Dissemination of aquaculture science

4 Location & Site Many sites under investigation The most advanced is a site found on Portland The proposed building will be: 5,000 Sq. m. Close to other potentially compatible organisations.

5 Turbot Farm Design

6 AKVA - Turbot Farms Romania & China Impressive looking RAS But marketing sells the fish

7 Landfish & Cefas Workshop Aims Stakeholders together Planners, Regulators, Investors, Researchers, Port Authorities, LEPS. Background on aquaculture Forum for questions

8 COM(2012) 494 final. Blue growth: opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. Sea & coasts are drivers of the Economy Land & freshwater finite resources Initiative to harness potential jobs & growth whilst safeguarding biodiversity Five key Blue Growth focus areas Each requires clear sighted policy making 1. BLUE ENERGY 2. AQUACULTURE 3. MARITIME & COASTAL TOURISM 4. MARINE MINERAL RESOURCES 5. BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY

9 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) The EMFF is the fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies for Higher % of money to aquaculture than EFF UK s allocation = Million helps fishermen in the transition to sustainable fishing supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies finances projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts makes it easier for applicants to access financing.

10 UK Perspective Different approach to aquaculture within England Value in comparison to other industries small Structure is different to Scotland Government approach is to leave it too industry. However Potential portal for aquaculture regulation Guidance for regulators. Aquaculture appearing on R&D agendas. Regulatory burden initiative still ongoing. Seafish & Cefas initiatives.

11 Turbot Farm Benefits to Portland Permanent Jobs Initially 4 6 jobs on the farm local employment + spend Potential add on processing plant extra jobs Construction period Construction of farm - local spend on building materials Potential engagement of prisoners / offenders in site clearance Research potential Cefas future R&D projects. Placement of PhD students Potential for R&D into add-on type projects Other benefits Local supply of high end product to local restaurants

12 An aquaculture hub? Potential to become an aquaculture hub?? Cefas Research laboratory Mussel farms in the Harbour Oyster farms in the Fleet Large mussel farm in Lyme bay Shellfish processing unit Wreck to Reef in Ringstead Bay Native Marine Centre Interest in Scallop hatchery Modern Turbot RAS farm Potential, space and natural resources for more!

13 Landfish - 5 Tonne system Fishermen often laid up over winter months Landfish proposal being developed for diversification into aquaculture Short term holding on growing On-growing of part grown fish Use of local barns and warehouses for RAS systems Further R&D and Literature search required. Links with Cefas / Seafish to consider.

14 Summary There s never been a better time for aquaculture! (Courtney Hough, FEAP) Many things are coming together at once Weymouth & Portland has significant strengths & infrastructure Landfish - Mike Ford has done a terrific determined job at driving forward the RAS site on Portland and pulling stakeholders together! Landfish have now secured outline Planning permission. Finance and detail needs putting in place.