Abstract

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a multifaceted review process that involves consideration of all aspects of development activities and how that development will affect and blend into the existing environment. It also acts as a link between the concerns of governmental bodies/regulatory agencies and the needs and priorities of the developer. For aquaculture development, an EIA can also be a tool in discerning the most appropriate species, system design, and management practices for ensuring that the environment needed for a successful culture venture remains sustainable.\Some of the unique environmental concerns faced by aquaculturists in the Caribbean include limited freshwater supply, sensitive island habitats, oligotrophic waters, and coral reefs. Therefore, when reviewing the environmental impact issues for aquaculture development in the Caribbean, it is important to cover potential habitat loss, resource depletion, introduction of non-native species, and eutrophication from nutrient waste. Developing appropriate Terms of Reference along with mitigation and monitoring procedures will aid in governmental guidelines and regulatory parameters, while incorporating the aquaculture developer’s needs for production. An environmental matrix that incorporates the culture species and systems considerations can be used for evaluating aquaculture development environmental impact issues, while providing an assessment guide for the government and the aquaculture developer.

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