An outline proposal[1] for a salmon aquaculture business has been submitted by Unity Marine to the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) for consideration. Establishing the right operational scale is essential to meeting the needs of the business, the environment, and the community. Any future final business plan would be subject to local regulation, for which a regime does not yet exist.
Business Viability
Drawing on more than 50 years of global salmon-farming experience, the outline proposal incorporates the most advanced technologies and best practices available today, including:
- Modern enclosure and site engineering
- High-quality feed and nutrition
- Fish feeding supported by Artificial Intelligence
- Strong animal health and welfare systems
- Environmental impact mitigation and continuous monitoring
- Rigorous food-safety standards
The business aims to produce 50,000 tonnes of fresh salmon annually across 12 ocean farm sites (selected from 16 rotational sites). Each site would contain 10 circular net pens.
To put this in perspective, the total ocean surface area required to grow 50,000 tonnes of salmon – approximately 300 acres – would fit comfortably within Hyde Park in London, or the Canache at the end of Stanley harbour.
Land-based infrastructure would include two hatchery facilities (where salmon are raised for their first year), as well as warehousing and office space.
To avoid placing pressure on the local labour market, associated business activities such as feed milling and fish processing would be conducted offshore, at least in the first instance.
Environmental Protection
The Falkland Islands has a unique opportunity to adopt world-leading policies, protocols, and technologies that ensure environmental impacts remain within science-based thresholds, setting a new standard for the global industry.
Managing Near-Field (Local) Effects
Local environmental effects can be effectively managed through:
- Science-based site selection (deep water, strong tidal flow, appropriate distance from sensitive habitats)
- Predator-exclusion netting
- Underwater cameras and AI-assisted feeding systems
- Low stocking densities to maintain fish health and water quality
Reducing Far-Field (Regional) Effects
Regional impacts are minimised by:
- 100% fish vaccinations supported with regular health monitoring
- Using sustainable, certified feed ingredients
- Transporting freight efficiently to reduce carbon emissions
- Employing high-strength nets to ensure fish containment
Community Benefit
The proposed industry would deliver long-term benefits to the Falkland Islands community, including:
- Creation of skilled, year-round jobs
- Growth in local service and supply-chain businesses
- Stable revenue streams for the Falkland Islands Government
- Access to locally produced, high-quality seafood
- Support for education, sports programmes, and other community institutions and projects
