Résumé
The development of aquaculture is a response to the growing demand for seafood while wild fish stocks are declining. However, these systems have to respect environment, using fewer natural resources and emitting less pollutant while being economically viable and socially acceptable. To assess this complex combination in fish farming systems, we designed an operational tool based on LCA conceptual framework and Emergy accounting: PISC’n’TOOL. PISC’n’TOOL aims to analyse fish farm’s performances, to assess the environmental impacts at the fish farm gate according to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, and to determine the contribution of the farm’s components to these impacts. In addition economic performances and social criteria were added. The targeted users are researchers and advisors involved in fish farming development in France, Indonesia and Brazil. PISC’n’TOOL applies a cradle to farm gate LCA analysis. The evaluated system includes the fish farm and its main inputs and outputs, and its running for a period of 1 year or for a production cycle. According to the multiple functions of a farm, PISC’n’TOOL defines 5 functional units: one tonne of fish produced, one m3 of water used, one on-farm hectare, one human labour unit, and 1000 $ of farm income. The environmental inventory is based on tables of energy carriers, infrastructures, equipments, vehicles, chemicals and veterinary products, water consumption, feeds and fry/fingerlings associated to the different countries. This data stem from previous aquaculture LCA studies or new information collected during the project. Farm emissions (N, P, solids emissions) are calculated using mass balance modelling. Emission and consumption data are aggregated into midpoint indicators methods according to CML 2 baseline 2001 (version 2.04) method such as climate change, Total cumulative energy demand, eutrophication, acidification, net primary production use, and endpoint indicators (impacts on human health, ecosystem and resources) according to Recipe endpoint H Eur H/A method. PISC’n’TOOL allows also to provide Emergy indicators (based on LCA inventory) for example transformity of the system, Emergy loading ratio or Emergy sustainability indicator. Results are shown in tables for each functional unit or in graphical form. The results ensure an easy comparison between different running scenarios for one farm or for different systems as well. The application of PISC’n’TOOL is on the way in order to allow the enlighten of the environmental, economical and social hotspots of fish farm, and thus to define improved strategies and scenarios for farm evolution.