A Symposium on Aquaculture in Subarctic Areas was held at the University of Umeå, Sweden from June 4—7, 1985.
The aim of the meeting was to unfold present knowledge regarding possibilities and problems related to the development of aquaculture activities at high northern latitudes.The meeting was financed by The Swedish Council for Forestry and Agricultural Research and The Nordic Council.
At the meeting a wide range of topics was covered; general reviews of aquaculture in cold environments, potential species as candidates for subarctic aquaculture, thei nfluence of temperature and photoperiod on growth and developmental rates in aquaticorganisms, and aspects of extensive and intensive aquaculture techniques.
A considerable potential for aquaculture in subarctic areas was recognized at the meeting. It was decided to recommend scientists to undertake increased research efforts along three principal lines in order to facilitate future development:
(1) Research on the basic biology of potentially interesting species such as Arctic char and halibut, especially with regard to brood stock management, juvenile nutritional needs and environmental control of developmental rates.
(2) Research on the basic properties of molecular genetics and physiological adaptations in fish, especially regarding seasonal adaptations and growth performance at low temperatures.
(3) Research and development with regard to the combined use of high and low technology or extensive systems in areas with seasonally rich food supplies.
The University of Tromso agreed to organize a second meeting on Aquaculture in subarctic areas along these lines in 1988.
Although there were originally no plans for publication of the contributions to the meeting, the participants expressed a great interest in the matter.
Because the topic of this Symposium falls within the scope of the Report of the Institute of Freshwater Research at Drottningholm, it was decided that this journal be used to print the Proceedings of the Symposium. This issue thus covers ten of the papers presented at the Symposium as well as the abstracts of all other papers and posters presented. We hope that these contributions will prove of value for the future of aquaculture in subarctic areas.