Necessary analyses - Planning Aquaculture Facilities

Necessary analyses

Part of the aim with analysis is to remember to think through the different possible solutions.

Advantages and disadvantages of the different solutions are to be discussed, which is really helpful in the planning process. Whilst analysis can be per-formed on many topics, it is important to perform the main analyses. This part must not be confused with the description of the chosen solution; it must be an analysis.

One necessary analysis is that concerning area connections; which areas in the plant are or are not to have connections. This can be illustrated with an example: a farm is fenced in and the only entrance is through a disinfection barrier where the shoes are disinfected in a bath; there should be no possibilities for direct entrance to the plant in other ways. During the planning process an area connection analysis will identify such relations.

One method of performing the analysis is to spread out the rooms and areas from the room programme like pieces of a puzzle and draw lines between the areas were connections are wanted (Fig. 22.1). The same can also be done with an arrow diagram, where connections and the reason for connections are illustrated (Fig. 22.1).

To remember the different process that must take place process diagrams can used as a tool (Fig. 22.2). The technical analysis includes a survey of ways of solving technical problems with their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, if the water is to be aerated, what types of aerators are to be used and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types; another analysis can be whether or not to use oxygen. Analysis of different materials includes the advantages and disadvantages of each. Process diagrams and alternatives charts are also examples of assistance tools; for instance, alternatives charts are helpful for showing various handling methods (Fig. 22.3).

Form and situation analysis includes where in the terrain the farm can be located, with advantages and disadvantages; for example, should it be in the ground or on top. Aesthetic considerations must also be included.

Analysis of environmental impact is becoming increasingly important for aquaculture facilities. How to reduce the discharge is an important analysis. To establish aquaculture facilities near beach zones may result in large impacts in the landscape, caused, for instance, by blasting operations that create large ‘scars’ in the landscape (Fig. 22.4). The need for proper analysis is necessary in such cases.

An area function analysis of the different areas is also commonly included where the requirements and their function are discussed. Taking the feed storage as an example, this could include the following analysis: will there be possibilities for expansion or not; will there be possibilities for draining the floor or not; are there any special requirements for the surface of the floor or not?