## 5 Conclusions  
The results obtained in this study demonstrate the possibility of increasing offshore production on the Portuguese coast. However, more studies are needed taking into consideration the systems and structures available on the market that can withstand the oceanographic conditions of each location. For fish farming, the temperature is the main parameter influencing the survival and growth, since ammonia and nitrite concentrations data were low, and all selected species tolerate the variations observed in dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH. For species requiring lower temperatures, such as the Atlantic cod, the production is compromised since, at the surface level, the temperature is too high to produce this species. The Atlantic salmon requires lower temperatures and can be considered to be produced in Areas A, B, and C. For species that need warmer temperatures, Area E has been demonstrated to be adequate to produce gilhead sea bream, sea bass, meagre, and the greater amberjack. For bivalves, the concentration of chlorophyll \(a\) plays an important role to determine the best location to implement new structures. The blue mussel can grow in a variety of temperatures, but without looking at the oceanographic conditions, Area A had the highest concentration of chlorophyll \(a\) which would benefit its growth performance and reduce the rearing period. The same applies to the scallop, where the lower temperatures and high concentration of chlorophyll \(a\) would likely benefit this species. For the oyster, due to specific water temperatures, Area D is the best choice to allow the production of this species and area E offers a warmer temperature and a sufficient concentration of chlorophyll \(a\). Area A seems adequate to implement nori and wakame coastal productions and Area E appears suitable for the production of _Gracilaria gracilis_. Looking at the oceanographic conditions, the more promising Area is E as it presents smaller wave heights. However, higher current velocities were observed in Area E. The drag from the currents can be mitigated using a net with a larger mesh size and structures that reduce the possibility of current dragging. The implementation of aquacultures in harsh open sea conditions seems possible, and thus, offshore and coastal aquaculture in Portugal shows potential, but the implementation of new structures must be preceded by dedicated studies that consider the type of structure and the specific location.  
Conceptualization, C.P. and A.P.; methodology, M.M., C.B., N.Z., A.C.B. and R.E.; writing--original draft preparation, M.M.; writing--review and editing, M.M., A.P., A.C.B. and C.P.; supervision, A.P. and C.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This study had the financial support of Operational Programme MAR2020 through the project MAR-02.01.01-FEAMP-0107 \"AQUIMAR--Marine knowledge supporting aquaculture\", and the support of Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic project UIDB/04292/2020 granted to MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre. AP and ACB were supported through the Scientific Employment Stimulus Programmes (CEECINST/00051/2018 and CEECIND/00095/2017, respectively).  
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author [PERSON] upon reasonable request.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.