Organic waste impact of capture-based Atlantic bluefin tuna aquaculture at an exposed site in the Mediterranean Sea

Meiofauna as a Tool for Marine Ecosystem Biomonitoring

“…In contrast, the ITD did not highlight any clear impact of this type of disturbance (Mirto et al, 2002), with the same authors also reporting unambiguous responses to fish-farm disturbance, including in respect of the diversity parameters of the nematode community (k-dominance curves, richness, H' and J). Different results were documented in a bluefin tuna fish farm in Vibo Marina, Italy (Western Mediterranean Sea) by Vezzulli et al (2008), who recorded unclear variations in H', J and the MI between cages and control stations, probably due to the limited impact of this type of farm. However, the analysis of the community at the genus level gave more consistent results in both of the investigations.…”

“…Mirto et al (2002) found that some nematode genera were highly sensitive to biodeposition (Setosabatieria, Latronema and Elzalia), and disappeared almost completely in farm sediments, whereas other tolerant genera mainly increased their dominance (Sabatieria, Dorylaimopsis and Oxystomina). Vezzulli et al (2008) documented a dominance of Tricoma, Desmoscolex, Quadricoma and Halalaimus at their control station, and Daptonema, Marylynnia, Sabatieria and Terschellingia at the fish farm stations. Consequently, given that the indices cited above are not always sensitive enough to detect fish farm disturbance, the authors suggested that the identification of sensitive/tolerant nematode genera is the best indicator when it comes to noting even early benthic community changes below fish cages.…”

Using indicators and models for an ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture management: the anchovy fishery and Pacific oyster culture in Chile: case studies

“…Aquaculture accounted 47% of the fish food supplied and was the fastest growing foodproducing sector. However, this strong expansion in the aquaculture industry has brought significant issues, including increased demands on fisheries for fish meal and fish oil (Delgado et al, 2003;Diana, 2009), organic sediment enrichment and eutrophication (Holmer et al, 2005;Kalantzi & Karakassis, 2006), pharmaceuticals, organics, bactericidal and metal pollution (Cabello, 2006;Calvi et al, 2006;Sapkota et al, 2008), and changes in endemic populations biodiversity (Tomassetti & Porrello, 2005;Vezzulli et al, 2008). Additionally, the implications of fishing effort, environmental variability, and global climate change are major concerns for the sustainability of fisheries (FAO, 2008).…”

Effects of offshore tuna farming on benthic assemblages in the Eastern Mediterranean

“…Since the mid 1990s, the expansion of tuna farming in the Mediterranean Sea has been accompanied by widespread concerns about the environmental impact of this thriving industry. The effects of capturebased aquaculture of bluefin tuna have been examined by a limited number of studies (Cheshire et al 1996, Madigan et al 2001, Santulli et al 2003, Vita et al 2004, 2007a,b, Matijević et al 2006, Vita & Marin 2007, Vezzulli et al 2008, Aksu et al 2010, Forrestal et al 2012) which have considered the environmental sustainability of this type of farming.…”

“…The farmed fish are mainly fed previously frozen sardines, anchovies, mackerel, cuttlefish and herring (Başaran & Özden 2004) with a daily feed rate of approximately 5 to 8% of body biomass (FAO 2004). The main environmental concern derived from this 'fattening' activity is the unknown impact of uneaten food and metabolic wastes (Vezzulli et al 2008). Many studies have highlighted these aquaculture by-products as the main cause of negative environmental impacts from aquaculture (Gowen et al 1991, Vezzulli et al 2002, 2008.…”