Aquaculture Expansion Across Scales : Navigating Resilience, Preparedness, and Sustainability in Swedish Rainbow Trout Farming

Sammanfattning

Driven by the depletion of aquatic environments and the urgent need to sustain a growing population with sustainable protein sources, research on aquaculture has gained momentum in recent years. This need is amplified by threats to food security stemming from crises such as pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and climate change. There's a clear ambition to increase aquaculture production, yet how this translates into practice remains a critical question. This thesis broadens research on resilience, food sovereignty, and food security by examining how global dynamics shape a localized food sector – Swedish Rainbow Trout cultivation. Using a case study that combines semi-structured expert interviews, a survey of farmers, and participant observation at the National Aquaculture Conference in Mora, the study addresses (1) how resilience is operationalized within the sector, (2) how farmers' autonomy manifests in food chains, and (3) what risks must be managed to enhance food security. The findings demonstrate that for aquaculture to expand in Sweden, a dual strategy is required. First, a “push” approach through production-boosting measures is needed to simplify operations for primary producers, as permit processes, disease risks, and inadequate infrastructure create structural bottlenecks that undermine economic viability. This must be coupled with a “pull” approach that increases market demand through community connection and local branding. Consequently, this study provides a crucial reality check for 2030 targets, illustrating how localized sectors can overcome structural bottlenecks in food systems to align ambitious policy with practical production realities.