The primary objectives of a site search, site selection & site analysis study conducted by AquaSol, Inc. are the following:
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Our findings will be detailed in a final report to the Client. If the site is found to be suitable and preliminary feasibility can be established, an outline of the Scope of Work for the next phase of development will be provided to the Client.
The areas where the Consultant is fully capable and willing to provide complete assistance during the initial consultation period are detailed below:
During these important initial consultations, we will hold discussions with the Client on all key issues relevant to successful development of a commercial aquaculture operation. Our discussions are likely to cover the following topics but are certainly not limited to those listed below:
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This is also an important information gathering time for the Consultant. As such, we will require complete assistance from the Client and all involved parties as we seek to determine preliminary feasibility of the proposed fish farming project.
Good site selection is a key first step in realizing a successful aquaculture project. From our standpoint, the ideal situation is when a Client comes to us without a particular piece of land he already owns and allows us to search an entire country for the most suitable locations. However, we understand that in the majority of cases, land is already owned and the site search component of our consultation is not required. In cases where the Client does not own any land, we will conduct an intensive search of the targeted country in an effort to determine the most suitable sites to develop a commercial aquaculture project. Specific regions of the country will be targeted in advance according to the results of preliminary investigations and discussions with the Client. Resources that will be utilized during this stage of the investigation and beyond include the following:
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Prior to deploying on location, we will initiate our own independent research using topographic maps and will call upon our own contacts within the country. Our preliminary investigations will allow us to target specific regions in advance and focus our efforts on the ground. Ideally, the on-site portion of the search will commence with a flyover of these previously identified high potential zones. This aerial overview will help a great deal in further narrowing the area of focus on the ground. During the flyover, GPS technology will be utilized to mark high potential sites for future determination of availability and on-site evaluation. For the ground search, a four-wheel drive vehicle will be utilized to visit targeted areas. A maximum of three high potential sites will be subjected to in-depth analysis during the Site Analysis phase.
Some of the key components of the Site Analysis process performed by AquaSol, Inc. include the following:
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Land analysis - this portion of the study includes our overall opinion of the site, GPS waypoint marking, a general topographic appraisal and an assessment of drainage characteristics and flood risks present at the site. Soil analysis - includes our general observations on soil type, comprehensive horizon sampling at multiple locations and a complete soil texture analysis and chemical analysis of major and minor nutrients. Access to heavy machinery for digging will speed this process. Our independent and fully certified US lab will perform the majority of these analyses and we will provide detailed explanations and comments on the findings. A detailed listing of soil quality parameters we test for can be found by clicking here. Water analysis - appraisal of water source characteristics, investigation of access to source water, chemical analysis of major and minor elements plus heavy metals. On-site measurement of dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and salinity will be performed. Our independent certified US lab will perform standard tests to determine concentrations of the major and minor elements. Testing for heavy metals will also be performed. Depending on the location and land usage patterns found in a particular area, we could elect to recommend comprehensive pesticide screening of the prospective source waters. A detailed listing of water quality parameters we test for can be found by clicking here Meteorological analysis - will involve the collection and analysis of meteorological data from the region, with emphasis on seasonal patterns of rainfall and temperature. A natural disaster risk assessment will also be performed. On-site testing of current wind speed and air temperature will be performed during on-site investigations. Traditional infrastructure analysis - an appraisal and analysis of site access, transportation networks, logistics, export channels, communications networks, energy sources, labor pools and other relevant infrastructure needs will be conducted. Fish farming infrastructure analysis - an investigation and analysis of brood stock and fry suppliers, feed suppliers, fish farming equipment suppliers and processing options that exist within the region will be performed. Market analysis -A close inspection of local and regional markets will be carefully investigated. The prospect of exporting fresh and frozen farm-raised products to overseas markets will also be an area of focus. A detailed market analysis will be the subject of future study if the project passes preliminary feasibility analysis period. Political & economic assessment - a careful investigation of local and regional political and socio economic conditions that have the potential to influence the viability of the project will be performed. Government support & regulation - appropriate meetings with government officials will be arranged on behalf of the Consultant. |
The Consultant will analyze all information gathered during the preliminary
feasibility investigations and prepare our findings and recommendations based
on our expertise in commercial fish farm development. The Consultant utilizes
a proprietary rating system that helps us prioritize and consolidate all critical
variables for success. A determination of preliminary feasibility will be made
and presented to the Client. The analysis we conduct will be both comprehensive
and professional and our findings will be independent and unbiased. A detailed
report of our findings and recommendations will be provided to the Client.
The above brief descriptions simply provide guidelines of what we typically like to cover in the first round of our involvement in a new project. Each project is unique and will have varying needs. This first round of work may serve as the basis for more in-depth investigation if required. In the second round of project development, we typically focus on in-depth analysis and recommendations regarding production strategies, farm design, management, marketing and the development of the financial pro-formas.
As President of AquaSol, Inc., I can assure you that during all phases of investigation and project management, we remain completely independent in our judgments and recommendations. This is always important but particularly critical during the Site Analysis phase of the investigation. While there is really no such thing as a perfect site, there are many, many sites that are simply not suitable for aquaculture project development. Our focus remains on what is best for the Client and the project over the long term. If we find that a project is not feasible based on the results of the preliminary feasibility study, we will be straightforward and report this to the Client. Our reputation is on the line every time we undertake a new project and our belief is that if we remain truely independent, we will be able to extend our excellent track record of successful projects.