Aquaponics has the potential to produce sustainable, high‐quality food through integration of hydroponics and aquaculture, but its commercialization is stalled by bottlenecks in pest and disease management. We reviewed integrated pest and disease management steps and techniques in hydroponics to qualify as suitable techniques for different aquaponic designs. Non‐chemical prophylactic measures are highly proficient for pest and disease prevention in all designs. Still, the use of chemical control methods remains highly complicated for all systems. We simulated 10–20% runoff concentrations of 9 pesticides in the common UVI design and compared them with NOEC, LC50 of fish. Endosulfan seems most toxic with runoff AI (20.7 μg L−1) exceeding LC50 (10.2 μg L−1) and NOEC (0.05 μg L−1). At 20% runoff, most chemical pesticides pose risks in aquaponic systems. Natural pesticides were also discussed as potential alternatives with low acute toxicity to fish, but little is known about their effects on water and bacteria. While insecticides and herbicides are replaceable by well‐established commercial biocontrol measures, fungicides and nematicides would still be relevant in aquaponics due to low efficiency of alternatives (e.g. natural enemies, entomopathogenic fungus). Monitoring and cultural control are the first approaches to contain pest population below the action threshold. Biological controls, in general, are adaptable to a larger extent. Further studies are required on how to utilize indigenous microbial community in aquaponics (dominated by Proteobacteria; effective at ~103–109 CFU mL−1) as a frontline defence.

Rapid expansion of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and western tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) beyond their native ranges calls for urgent management action, particularly in localities with high introduction possibility of the species. We used a comparative functional response (FR) approach to forecast invader ecological impact. We compared their foraging efficiency in three habitat structures: sand, coarse gravel, and coarse gravel with an artificial plant. Both Neogobius melanostomus and Proterorhinus semilunaris showed type II FR in all habitats. Interspecific comparison showed similar handling times in both the gravel and gravel with artificial plant habitats, suggesting similar per capita impact. Intraspecific comparison showed significantly lower handling times of both predators on gravel substrates. Therefore, their ecological impact in such an environment could be higher. Neogobius melanostomus showed higher attack rates on sandy substrates compared with Proterorhinus semilunaris, while no significant differences were observed on other substrates. Our results highlight the importance of interacting factors in management of ecosystems with multiple invaders, as the elimination of invasive Neogobius melanostomus may lead to utilization of the empty niche by alien Proterorhinus semilunaris with similar ecological impact.

Present research suggests that phenotypic variations and consequent potential differences in suitability for commercial culture are more likely to occur among genetically diverse populations. We investigated diversity in traits important to aquaculture and assessed genetic differentiation based on four mitochondrial markers in three European populations of Perca fluviatilis. Using a transplant approach to standardize conditions and minimize environmental effects on phenotype expression, we compared survival, cannibalism, growth rate, growth heterogeneity, and specific growth rate of the populations to assess whether difference in aquaculture performance (i.e. expression of phenotypical traits that facilitate the rearing of fish and impact the productivity of the farming) is more likely between genetically differentiated populations than between genetically similar populations. We found key traits of performance to differ among allopatric populations, suggesting value in considering geographic source of broodstock. The largest aquaculture performance disparities were observed among genetically differentiated populations. Some lesser differences were observed between allopatric genetically similar populations, possibly the consequence of pre-collection environment, or transgenerational effects.

In this study, we have performed a large-scale assessment on the native distribution range of the marine non-indigenous species (NIS) found in at least one of the European Seas (Mediterranean, NE Atlantic Ocean, Black, Baltic Sea). As a basis, we have used the most updated pan-European NIS inventory, provided by the European Alien Species Information Network. All taxonomic groups have been considered for this analysis, taking into account established NIS in European Seas (824 taxa in total). The vast majority of the European marine NIS have their native distribution in the Western and Central Indo-Pacific, being mostly associated with introductions into the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. However, this overall pattern is heavily influenced by the fact that 76% of all NIS primary introductions in Europe have been reported first from the Mediterranean Sea. A more detailed analysis revealed various patterns of the dominating native distributions of the primarily introduced NIS in Europe, depending on the European marine subregions where they have been initially introduced and their associated pathways. There seems to be a general decrease in NIS introductions in Europe, especially when it comes to NIS with native distribution in the Temperate Northern Pacific, although this trend should be treated with caution. The information provided in the current study can be useful for tailored management of specific primary pathways per marine subregion, supporting prioritization efforts.

Manuring and supplementary feeding are common practices used to sustain high fish production in temperate semi-intensive carp ponds. How ever, the low use efficiency of added nutrients and organic matter may cause carp ponds to be 'hot spots' of methane (CH 4 ) production and emission. Surface CH 4 concentrations were measured and diffusive CH 4 flux was estimated using a wind-based transboundary layer model in 3 nursery and 3 main carp ponds with different feeding rates and organic loading during 1 growing season. Mean (± SD) concentrations of CH 4 were 1.3 ± 0.9 µM and 0.8 ± 0.8 µM in nursery and main ponds, respectively. All ponds were sources of CH 4 , with diffusive CH 4 fluxes of 9.1 ± 6.8 mg C m −2 d −1 in nursery ponds and 6.4 ± 6.9 mg C m −2 d −1 in main ponds. Lower CH 4 concentration and diffusive flux in the main ponds were probably due to bioturbation caused by the larger carp and consequent oxidation of the sediment. Seasonal dynamics of CH 4 were mainly related to temperature. Methane concentration and diffusive flux levels re corded in this study were within the range of those reported in natural water bodies worldwide. Our results provide information on the role of carp aquaculture in greenhouse gas emission in temperate regions.KEY WORDS: Methane · Greenhouse gas emission · Aquaculture pond · Freshwater · Seasonality · Temperature Emission of diffusive methane from a temperate fishpond and inputs inducing CH 4 production in carp ponds: (A) manuring and (B) feeding.Photo credit: Dr.

Biogeographical barriers formed by natural forces over billions of years have been substantially disrupted by human activity, particularly in recent centuries. In response to these anthropogenic changes, global homogenization of biota is observed at an ever‐increasing rate, causing environmental and economic losses as well as emerging health risks. Identifying factors underlying alien species richness is essential for prevention of future introductions and subsequent spread. In this study, we examined the effects of environmental and human‐related factors on distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). We compiled a set of maps showing the level of invasion of six categories of alien animal species in each of 628 grid cells (ca. 12.0 × 11.1 km) covering the Czech Republic. Relationships between alien species richness and 12 variables characterizing climatic conditions, topography, land cover, and human population size were calculated using the generalized least squares method. Species richness of all alien species, of invertebrates, and of terrestrial species showed the strongest positive relationship with mean annual temperature, while the number of black and grey (proposed prominent invaders) and aquatic species was most closely related to the presence of large rivers. Alien vertebrates showed a strong negative relationship with annual precipitation. The highest alien animal species richness was found in and near large population centers and in agricultural landscapes in warm and dry lowlands. The gateways for alien aquatic species are rather large rivers over sport fishing and aquaculture import. Compiled maps create a powerful visual communication tool, useful in development of programs to prevent future introductions.

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