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1.4 The sustainability challenge Texel is facing with regard to the sea farming

As has been explained in the last paragraph the goal is to achieve a completely self-sufficient Texel in 2065. This goal can be broken down in a large number of sub-goals that all need to be achieved. The techo-socio system covered in this report touches upon a number of these sub-goals for which it provides (parts of) solutions. The sub-goals, their proposed solutions and the expected design challenges are discussed below.

 

Sub-goal 1: All food for humans is from Texel. 

Solution: Significant part of proteins and vegetable intake from sea. Although it might be possible to produce sufficient quantities of food from sea farming there would a significant lack of diversity in the type of food. This poses two problems: it would be very uninteresting to continuously eat the same number of items. Secondly, it would not be healthy. Humans need a varied diet in order to remain healthy. Therefore only part of the sub-goal can be achieved with the proposed solution.

Difficulties: culture change, volumes.

 

Sub-goal 2: all food for animals is from Texel. 

Solution: animals are fed solely from sea farm produce. Due to the high protein content this is a serious possibility. It would also indirectly increase the amount of human food that is from Texel as it would be possible to farm more cattle and fish in this manner.

Difficulties: volume to be produced.

 

Sub-goal 2: all fertilizer is from Texel. 

Solution: agriculture fertilizer comes completely from Texel. 

Difficulties: volume to be produced and soil salinity.

 

Sub-goal 3: completely self-sufficient in transport. 

Solution: the assumption is made that the island transport still consists of electric and biofuel-powered vehicles in 2065. In that case the biofuel powered part will use biofuels from algae (preferably non-land based).

Difficulties: reduction of cost and local refining inefficient

 

Sub-goal 4: all medicine will be produced on Texel. 

Solution: a number of medicinal compounds can be obtained through sea farming. To the extent that this is possible it should be done. 

Difficulties: Efficiency Does it make sense to create compounds and then either ship them to the mainland for processing and back or to bring in the remaining compounds and process locally?

 

Sub-goal 5: all chemical products will be produced on Texel. 

Solution:  a number of chemical compounds can be obtained through sea farming. To the extent that this is possible it should be done. The remaining compounds should be 

Difficulties: efficiency. Does it make sense to create compounds and then either ship them to the mainland for processing and back or to bring in the remaining compounds and process locally?

 

Research questions

How can you market sea farming at Texel?