Integrating spatially social and ecological indicators in evaluating the potential impact of salmon farming

In this study the Salmon Farming Potential Impact Index (SFPII) is developed for evaluating the magnitude and spatial extent of these impacts. SFPII integrates four social-ecological sensitivity factors and a pressure factor. Spatially representation and quantification of the SFPII required the i) selection of sensitivity and pressure factors and indicators that composed them, ii) conceptual representation of the sensitivity factors and the pressure factor, and the potential impact associated with each sensitivity factor (sub-impact), which comprises the interaction between the pressure factor and a given sensitivity factor, and iii) integration of the sensitivity and pressure factors into the SFPII. Our analysis, focusing on Southern Patagonia in Chile, reveals distinct spatial patterns within the SFPII values: i) a gradient from east to west, predominantly in the northern region, reflecting ecosystem sensitivity influenced by abiotic attributes, and ii) two areas of significantly higher SFPII scores, from north to south, primarily attributed to the distribution of farming pressure. High-score areas are interconnected by regions with low SFPII values, primarily influenced by maritime traffic linked to salmon farming operations. The study identified key factors contributing to sensitivity, abiotic attributes like oxygen availability and pH levels, and biotic factors such as macrofauna diversity. The SFPII integration into sustainability frameworks ensures ongoing monitoring, allowing for adaptive management strategies to maintain aquaculture practices within acceptable socio-ecological limits. It can be integrated into marine spatial planning to foster transparency and stakeholder engagement, facilitating collaborative efforts towards sustainable salmon farming practices and the conservation of marine ecosystems. • Salmon farming impact (SFPII) integrates socio-ecosystem sensitivity and pressure • Potential impact is concentrated in northern and southern specific areas • Maritime traffic allows the assessment of pressure distribution across broader areas • SFPII can be used for managers to make decisions about the expansion of salmon farming • Aggregating results into ecogeographic units improves potential impact understanding