Supporting Data for: Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles fed side-streams from farmed blue mussel

The dataset is used as a foundation for the scientific article Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles fed side-streams from farmed blue mussel. This study analysed the environmental footprints of rearing juvenile gilthead seabream using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles aligned with the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method. Data were collected from a research facility where fish juveniles were fed diets with fishmeal partially or fully substituted at 100%, 50%, or 0%, with blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) meal. The results showed that the use of electricity and the feed were the largest contributors to most impact categories. Electricity use was primarily driven by the indoor flow-through facility's high-water renewal and lighting requirements. The sensitivity analyses showed a high uncertainty related to impacts from the blue mussel production. This dataset is connected to the interdisciplinary research project SECURE (Novel Marine Resources for Food Security and Food Safety) which investigate the potential of low-trophic marine species. The overall goal of the project is to develop knowledge that enables sustainable food security. More information is available through https://en.uit.no/project/secure.
Highlights • Environmental footprint (LCA) of a gilthead seabream nursery has been assessed • Exchanging fishmeal with blue mussel meal increased emissions • Electricity and feed are major hotspots in flow-through rearing • Data insecurity in uncommon footprint assessments for mussels creates high sensitivity
Abstract Transparent and precise information on the environmental impacts of products is critical for informed decision-making. In the EU, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is among the most profitable aquaculture species. The environmental impacts of aquaculture vary depending on input factors. Despite the importance of hatcheries and nurseries in aquaculture, there are currently several knowledge gaps related to footprints, particularly outside of salmonid life cycle assessments. This study analysed the environmental footprints of rearing juvenile gilthead seabream using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles aligned with the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method. Data were collected from a research facility where fish juveniles were fed diets with fishmeal partially or fully substituted at 100%, 50%, or 0%, with blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) meal. The results showed that the use of electricity and the feed were the largest contributors to most impact categories. Electricity use was primarily driven by the indoor flow-through facility's high-water renewal and lighting requirements. The sensitivity analyses showed a high uncertainty related to impacts from the blue mussel production. The total environmental footprint of juveniles was significantly higher than that of fully grown finfish aquaculture per functional unit, mirroring the higher care required during early life stages. Blue mussel meal shows promise as a feed ingredient from a palatability and growth perspective, however, its use may increase environmental impacts. Nevertheless, as the aquaculture industry continues to expand to meet global food demands, utilising a current waste stream might be among few feasible options to cover nutrient demands in fish feed.