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Benthic recovery after fish farming cessation: a "beyond-BACI" approach
F Aguado-Giménez1, M A Piedecausa, J M Gutiérrez
1Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), Estación de Acuicultura Marina, Puerto de San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740 Murcia, Spain. felipe.aguado@carm.es
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Fish farming cessation improved benthic environments, but full recovery of polychaete worms was hindered by acid-volatile sulfide levels. The study monitored geochemical and biological variables to assess environmental recovery.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Environmental science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Aquaculture, specifically fish farming, can significantly impact benthic environments.
- Understanding ecosystem recovery post-cessation is crucial for sustainable marine management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benthic environment's recovery after fish farming cessation.
- To differentiate natural variability from fish farm impacts using a robust monitoring approach.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a "beyond-BACI" (Before-After-Control-Impact) monitoring design.
- Assessed abiotic variables: granulometry, acid-volatile sulfides, total phosphorus, redox potential.
- Monitored biotic variables: polychaete abundance and assemblage composition.
Main Results:
- Geochemical conditions improved post-cessation, with enhanced redox potential and reduced total phosphorus.
- A trend towards polychaete assemblage recovery was observed, but significant differences persisted.
- Acid-volatile sulfide levels were identified as the key factor preventing full recovery.
- Abundance of opportunistic polychaete families decreased, while sensitive families increased.
Conclusions:
- The benthic environment shows partial recovery following fish farming cessation.
- Acid-volatile sulfides remain a critical indicator of persistent impact.
- The "beyond-BACI" approach effectively distinguished between natural fluctuations and anthropogenic effects.
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