The constraints of fresh water use in aquaculture have been well recognised at a global level, and have been widely addressed at the practical local level, in planning new developments, managing water use in existing operations, and in an increasing number of cases, re-engineering production units to improve efficiency of water use. These changes are driven not just by a greater appreciation and concern for responsible resource use, but by the very real cost pressures associated with water abstraction and waste discharge.

In Europe in particular, increasing water demands and more unpredictable climate regimes are leading to greater costs of supply and greater competition for access. In such circumstances the aquaculture industry requires to maximise the value added per unit of water use, and needs tio do so in a way which can assure regulators and the general public that its actions are safe and well managed. This presentation reviews current issues and practices, and outlines the options for future development in the European context.

Professor James Muir is the Assistant Director, Head of the Aquatic Systems/Environment group of the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, and Manager of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) Aquaculture and Fish Genetics Research Programme. A former FAO staff member, he has also served as Senior Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Adviser for DFID.

Prof. Muir’s background is in engineering, economics and aquatic resource management. He has a wide range of UK, European and international experience, working in the academic, commercial and public sectors in development, planning, policy; education and training; project assessment & management, design and engineering; social and environmental impact. His primary current interests and responsibilities are in development research management, aquaculture and fisheries sustainability strategies, international food and resource policy, and interactions between technical change, economic growth and human development.

Contact details: Institute of Aquaculture , University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA.
Tel:+44 1786 467889 - Fax:+44 1786 451462 - Email  jfm1@stir.ac.uk