Site evaluation

The selection of suitable sites for a new fish farm project is far from easy and the requirements vary considerably from species to species. Other considerations such as marine and fresh water environments and on or offshore installations also have to be taken into account. We have been undertaking site identification and evaluation studies for more than twenty-five years, and during this time have gained invaluable experience in this often neglected but essential first stage of the project development.

In an ideal situation suitable general areas would be identified by the client to a specification laid down by Kingfisher in advance of any site visit. This can significantly reduce staff time in the field and consequently save expense. Whilst some initial preparation is undertaken as a desk study the need to visit the proposed areas and record data is essential. The visit also provides an ideal opportunity to meet the client and discuss the project in more detail.

This examination process, which can include up to 120 separate parameter checks, is undertaken by a member(s) of our staff with experience in Aquaculture engineering and marine biology. Each site displaying sufficient merit will be the subject of a detailed report identifying it's features and potential. The Site Evaluation Study will form the basis of the next essential stage, the Feasibility Study. The following general headings give an indication of the scope of the completed study.