Predicting shifting sustainability trade-offs in marine finfish aquaculture under climate change
Defining sustainability goals is a crucial but difficult task because it often involves the quantification of multiple interrelated and sometimes conflicting components. This complexity may be exacerbated by climate change, which will increase environmental vulnerability in aquaculture and potentially compromise the ability to meet the needs of a growing human population. Here, we developed an approach to inform sustainable aquaculture by quantifying spatio-temporal shifts in critical trade-offs between environmental costs and benefits using the time to reach the commercial size as a possible proxy of economic implications of aquaculture under climate change. Our results indicate that optim…
Microbial and meiofaunal response to intensive mussel-farm biodeposition in coastal sediments of the Western Mediterranean
We studied the impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of a mussel farm in a coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). Sediment chemistry, microbial and meiofaunal assemblages were investigated from March 1997 to February 1998 on monthly basis at two stations: the first was located under the mussel farm, while the second was at about 1-km distance and served as control. Benthic response to changes in the biodepositional regime was investigated in terms of biochemical composition of the sedimentary organic matter, phytopigment content, bacterial abundance and composition and meiofaunal community structure. A large accumulation of chloroplastic pigments, proteins an…
Moving Toward a Strategy for Addressing Climate Displacement of Marine Resources: A Proof-of-Concept
Realistic predictions of climate change effects on natural resources are central to adaptation policies that try to reduce these impacts. However, most current forecasting approaches do not incorporate species-specific, process-based biological information, which limits their ability to inform actionable strategies. Mechanistic approaches, incorporating quantitative information on functional traits, can potentially predict species- and population-specific responses that result from the cumulative impacts of small-scale processes acting at the organismal level, and can be used to infer population-level dynamics and inform natural resources management. Here we present a proof-of-concept study…
The role of two non-indigenous serpulid tube worms in shaping artificial hard substrata communities: case study of a fish farm in the central Mediterranean Sea
Understanding the spread and establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS) is one of the primary areas of focus in bioinvasion science and is essential for generating appropriate management strategies in aquaculture. Here we investigated the role of 2 non-indigenous serpulid tube worms (Hydroides elegans and H. dirampha) in shaping the hard substrata communities around a fish farm in the Strait of Sicily over 1 yr (June 2014-June 2015), at 3 mo intervals (September and December 2014, March and June 2015). The mean density values of serpulids were significantly different at each sampling time. The density of serpulids on submerged panels showed a peak in spring (March 2015, after 9 mo) and d…
Functional and energetic consequences of climate change on a predatory whelk
Abstract The increasing rise in sea surface temperature caused by human activities currently represents the major threat to biodiversity and natural food webs. In this study we used the Lessepsian mussel Brachidontes pharaonis, one of the most recent invaders of the Mediterranean Sea, as a model to investigate the effect of a novel prey and a chronic increase in temperatures on functional parameters of local consumers, compared to the native mytilid species Mytilaster minimus. In particular we focused on the whelk Stramonita haemastoma, a widespread Mediterranean intertidal predator that actively preys on bivalves, barnacles and limpets, by studying the direct effects of such multiple stres…
Meiofauna associated with vermetid reefs: the role of macroalgae in increasing habitat size and complexity
We present the first dataset of meiofauna associated with vermetid reefs (biogenic constructions of Mediterranean intertidal habitat) in two areas along the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. The vermetid reefs are characterized by a horizontal extension from the shore towards the open sea and can be divided into three zones (the inner margin, the cuvette zone and the outer margin) which differ in hydrodynamic features. We studied the spatial distribution of meiofauna along the horizontal axis of the vermetid reefs, investigating the communities inhabiting the sediment inside cuvettes (shallow pools inside the “cuvette zone”) located between the inner and the outer margins of the reefs. We ob…
The effect of the quality of diet on the functional response of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819): Implications for integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) and marine spatial planning
Abstract The integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (i.e., IMTA) is a practice combining organisms with different trophic levels with the final purpose of transforming the continuous waste of food by targeting species into nutrient input for other non-target species. This practice very often involves filter feeders, such as bivalves, by the use of which bioenergetics budgets are strongly influenced by the quality and quantity of different foods. However, to date, scant information is available, to really understand the rebounds of food availability on the growth performances of these harvested biomasses in the natural environment. By choosing the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as a model, t…
Meiofauna as indicator for assessing the impact of fish farming at exposed marine site
This study aimed to detect the impact of organic loads due to biodeposition from a fish farm in an exposed area of the Strait of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea. Sediment chemistry and meiofaunal assemblages were investigated on a seasonal basis at four stations: two from the impacted area and two control stations. The presence of the cages induced a significant accumulation of proteins, lipids and biopolymeric carbon, resulting in a reduction in meiofaunal density at the impacted stations. Changes in community structure were also evident, as meiofauna under the cages were characterized by increased importance of polychaetes and copepods in comparison with a much lower importance of gastrotrichs …
Biochemical genetic differentiation between Pomatoschistus marmoratus and P. tortonesei
Several diagnostic genetic markers were identified in Pomatoschistus marmoratus and P. tortonesei using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of allozymes. Twenty-one loci were resolved, including the electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins. The MDH*, PGM1,2*, EST-1,2*, FUM* and PGI-2* loci exhibited different alleles which were fixed for the two species being analysed. Genetic distance, as calculated by Nei's index, showed a value of 0.413. Environmental hypersalinity, could have influenced the geographical distribution of P. tortonesei.
Predictive mechanistic bioenergetics to model habitat suitability of shellfish culture in coastal lakes
Quantitative tools based on mechanistic modelling of functional traits able to enhance the sustainability of aquaculture and most other human activities (i.e. reducing the likelihood of detrimental impacts optimising productions), are especially important factors in the decision to site aquaculture facilities in coastal lakes, ponds and lagoons and, in the case of detrimental impact, to adopt mitigation measures. We tested the ability of mechanistic functional trait based models to predict life history traits of cultivable shellfish in shallow coastal lakes. Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) models were run to generate spatially explicit predictions of Mytilus galloprovincialis life history (LH) …
Impact on the water column biogeochemistry of a Mediterranean mussel and fish farm
We investigated and compared the impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of mussel and fish farms on the water column of a coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). Physico-chemical data (including oxygen, nutrients, DOC and particulate organic matter), microbial variables (picoplankton and picophytoplankton density and biomass) and phytoplankton biomass (as chlorophyll-a) were determined on a monthly basis from March 1997 to February 1998. The results of this study indicate that both fish farm and mussel culture did not alter significantly dissolved inorganic phosphorus and chlorophyll-a values, while inorganic nitrogen concentrations were higher in mussel farm a…
The comparative biological effects of spatial management measures in protecting marine biodiversity: a systematic review protocol
Background: The global decline of marine biodiversity and the perceived need to protect marine ecosystems from irreparable alterations to ecosystem functioning and ecosystem service provision have produced an extensive range of spatial management measures (SMMs). The design of SMMs is a complex process often involving the integration of both conservation objectives and socio-economic priorities and the resultant trade-offs are highly dependent on the management regime in place. Future marine management is likely to involve greater use of different forms of protected areas with differing levels of protection, particularly for sites where there are multiple competing demands. Consequently, ev…
Effects of predator and shelter conditioning on hatchery-reared white seabream Diplodus sargus (L., 1758) released at sea
Abstract The behavioural deficit of hatchery reared (HR) fish used for stock enhancement is the main cause of their low survival in the wild. In this study the effects of predator and shelter conditioning on survival and dispersal of HR white seabream ( Diplodus sargus ) released at sea were investigated. The hypotheses were that conditioned white seabream would avoid predators more efficiently and would be more capable to shelter, showing higher survival and smaller dispersal than naive fish. Six thousand HR white seabream (6.32 ± 0.93 cm total length) were allocated in twelve plastic tanks and divided in four experimental groups: three groups were conditioned with a predator, a refuge or …
The aquaculture supply chain in the time of covid-19 pandemic: Vulnerability, resilience, solutions and priorities at the global scale
13 pages, 3 tables, 5 figures
Functional role of biofouling linked to aquaculture facilities in Mediterranean enclosed locations
Biofouling is generally considered a serious threat for human coastal activities such as aquaculture, and the ecological role of fouling organisms associated with fish-farm cages remains one of the most debated topics in the ecological field. However, although biofouling may cause significant problems related to human health, environmental impact and financial losses, in the past decade there has been an increasing interest in developing methods to promote the growth of biofouling on artificial structures as a strategy to mitigate human impacts and reduce the organic enrichment caused by net-cage fish farming. Here we investigated the filtration activity of biofouling assemblages colonizing…
MOESM2 of The comparative biological effects of spatial management measures in protecting marine biodiversity: a systematic review protocol
Additional file 2. Scoping the search
Diel Feeding Features of Juveniles of Two Sparids in the Stagnone di Marsala Coastal Sound (Western Sicily, Italy)
Diet composition, feeding rhythms, gastric evacuation rates, daily rations of Diplodus puntazzo (Gmelin 1789) and Sarpa salpa (Linneo 1758) juveniles were studied in order to investigate their trophic ecology, niche breadth and overlap. These Sparids were collected in the Stagnone di Marsala (Western Sicily), in April 1997, in a 24 hour sampling period. Gastric content of 86 specimens of D. puntazzo (standard length = 31.9 ± 6.6 mm; body wet weight = 1.0 Ī 0.5 g) and of 100 specimens of S. salpa (standard length = 32.3 ± 2.9 mm; body wet weight = 0.6 Ī 0.2 g) were examined. Amphipoda and Tanaidacea were the most frequent prey items in stomach content of D. puntozzo, while Hydrozoa, Bryozoa …
MOESM3 of The comparative biological effects of spatial management measures in protecting marine biodiversity: a systematic review protocol
Additional file 3. Data extraction
Thermal adaptation and physiological responses to environmental stress in tunicates
Understanding the multifaceted nature of environmental fluctuations is crucial to predicting the physiological adjustments utilised by organisms in resisting or adapting to changes over time. Here we investigate the effects of 2 environmental stressors on tunicates, whose fitness can have important repercussions on the quality of habitat. Specifically, we report respiration rate (RR), clearance rate (CR), and assimilation efficiency (AE) of the ascidian Styela plicata in response to a range of temperatures and varying food availability. Temperature-dependent RR was observed only within a portion of the thermal window of the species. Significant differences in clearance rates were detected a…
Welfare status of cage farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): A comparison between submerged and surface cages
Abstract Submersible sea-cages represent an alternative method to standard surface-based cages, and could help solve several production problems that exist in surface-based farming, such as heavy storms, algal and jellyfish blooms and attacks by predators. In this study, we investigated growth, haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters of European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ) farmed in surface and submersible cages, to compare the physiological status under different rearing conditions. In addition, we evaluated the use of erythrocyte HSP70 levels as a biomarker of fish welfare. The study was conducted in two submerged and two surface cages filled with D. labrax . No sig…
Biostimulation of in situ microbial degradation processes in organically-enriched sediments mitigates the impact of aquaculture
Fish farm deposition, resulting in organic matter accumulation on bottom sediments, has been identified as among the main phenomena causing negative environmental impacts in aquaculture. An in situ bioremediation treatment was carried out in order to reduce the organic matter accumulation in the fish farm sediments by promoting the natural microbial biodegradation processes. To assess the effect of the treatment, the concentration of organic matter in the sediment and its microbial degradation, as well as the response of the benthic prokaryotic community, were investigated. The results showed a significant effect of the treatment in stimulating microbial degradation rates, and the consequen…
Benthic microbial indicators of fish farm impact in a coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea
Abstract We studied the impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of a fish farm in a non-impacted coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). Sediment chemistry and benthic microbial community were investigated from July 1997 to February 1998 on monthly basis at two stations: one was located under the fish farm, while the second was about 1 km away, and served as a reference site. The presence of the cage induced rapid changes in the benthic conditions: the sediments were rapidly (after 6 weeks) reduced. A significant accumulation of biopolymeric carbon was observed beneath the cage both 2 weeks after the initial cage deployment, on non-impacted sediments, and 5-7 mo…
Meiofauna and benthic microbial biomass in a semi-enclosed mediterranean marine system (Stagnone di Marsala, Italy)
Microbial and meiofaunal dynamics and their relationships with the biochemical composition of the sedimentary organic matter were investigated in a semi-enclosed marine system (Marsala lagoon, Western Sicily, Mediterranean Sea). Sediment samples were collected on a monthly basis from March 1996 to February 1997 in four stations located along a N–S transect characterized by different hydrodynamic regimes. Total sedimentary organic matter concentration ranged from 5.681.11 to 156.2812.63 mg g1, while the biopolymeric fraction of organic carbon (BPC, measured as sum of the lipids, carbohydrates and proteins) accounted for only a small fraction (24%) of total organic matter. Total meiofaunal de…
Climate change exacerbates interspecific interactions in sympatric coastal fishes
Summary 1. Biological responses to warming are presently based on the assumption that species will remain within their bioclimatic envelope as environmental conditions change. As a result, changes in the relative abundance of several marine species have been documented over the last decades. This suggests that warming may drive novel interspecific interactions to occur (i.e. invasive vs. native species) or may intensify the strength of pre-existing ones (i.e. warm vs. cold adapted). For mobile species, habitat relocation is a viable solution to track tolerable conditions and reduce competitive costs, resulting in ‘winner’ species dominating the best quality habitat at the expense of ‘loser’…
Concurrent environmental stressors and jellyfish stings impair caged European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) physiological performances
9 pages, 5 figures, 4 tables
The Synergistic Impacts of Anthropogenic Stressors and COVID-19 on Aquaculture: A Current Global Perspective
13 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables.-- This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License
Local consumers are the first line to control biological invasions: a case of study with the whelk Stramonita haemastoma (Gastropoda: Muricidae)
The increasing spread of invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea determines several alterations in local food webs, changing the feeding habits of native organisms. The whelk Stramonita haemastoma is a widespread Mediterranean gastropod that consumes bivalves, barnacles and limpets. Previous studies showed a shift in its diet from the bivalve Mytilaster minimus to the invasive mussel Brachidontes pharaonis, presumably due to a higher energy gain. Here we tested whelks’ preference among natives and a novel prey, calculating the profitability ratio, and integrating those results with biochemical analysis on prey tissues and the routine metabolism of the whelks. Further, we used the scaled f…
MOESM1 of The comparative biological effects of spatial management measures in protecting marine biodiversity: a systematic review protocol
Additional file 1. Defining the terminology
Influence of environmental factors and biogenic habitats on intertidal meiofauna
This study investigated the influence of physical and chemical conditions and biotic factors on the distribution and diversity of meiofauna in intertidal zone along a geographical gradient. At 11 sites along the Italian coast, we studied the concurring role of environmental variables, trophic resources and the presence of habitat-forming species (macroalgae vs. mussels) in controlling the meiofaunal communities. The increase of water temperature combined with local thermal conditions was associated with a decrease in nematodes and copepods, with a consequent decrease in meiofaunal abundance towards the south. However, the increase in salinity, as geographical gradient decreases, and local t…
Differential response of benthic microbes and meiofauna to fish-farm disturbance in coastal sediments
Bacterial and meiofaunal abundance and biomass and their response to the disturbance induced by fish-farm biodeposition were investigated from March to October 1997 on a monthly basis at two stations of the Gaeta Gulf (Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea). The biopolymeric fraction of the organic matter was characterized by high concentrations which was similar at both fish-farming-impacted and control stations. Similarly, bacteria accounted for a small fraction of the biopolymeric organic carbon (<1%), while the contribution due to auto-fluorescent cell biomass (i.e. prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells displaying auto-fluorescence) to the total biopolymeric carbon was quantitatively negligible …
Nematode community response to fish-farm impact in the western Mediterranean.
A previous investigation on fish-farm biodeposition effects on benthos, carried out in the Gaeta Gulf (northwestern Mediterranean Sea), revealed a strong impact on meiofaunal assemblages. This study implements these findings by examining in detail the nematode assemblage and its response to organic enrichment from the start of a fish farm activity to the conclusion of the fish rearing cycle. Density, community structure and individual size were utilised for univariate (genus, trophic diversity and abundance patterns) and multivariate analyses (MDS) in order to identify the best descriptors of impact and the response of the nematode assemblages. Nematodes displayed significantly reduced dens…
Initial Fish-Farm Impact on Meiofaunal Assemblages in Coastal Sediments of the Western Mediterranean
We studied the initial impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of a new fish farm in a non-impacted coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). Sediment chemistry and meiofaunal assemblages were investigated from July 1997 to February 1998 on a monthly basis at two stations: the first was located under the fish farm, while the second was at about 1 km distance, and served as control. Variations in the biochemical composition of the sedimentary organic matter and meiofaunal community structure were also related to changes in reared fish biomass. The presence of the cage-induced rapid changes in the benthic compartment: the sediments reached rapidly (i.e., after only …
Functional consequences of prey acclimation to ocean acidification for the prey and its predator
Ocean acidification is the suite of chemical changes to the carbonate system of seawater as a consequence of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Despite a growing body of evidences demonstrating the negative effects of ocean acidification on marine species, the consequences at the ecosystem level are still unclear. One factor limiting our ability to upscale from species to ecosystem is the poor mechanistic understanding of the functional consequences of the observed effects on organisms. This is particularly true in the context of species interactions. The aim of this work was to investigate the functional consequence of the exposure of a prey (the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis) t…
Influence of artificial reefs on the surrounding infauna: Analysis of meiofauna
We adopted a bottom-up approach in studying the effect of two artificial reefs in contrasting environmental conditions (sandy-mud and meso-eutrophic in the Adriatic Sea versus coarse sands and oligotrophic in the Tyrrhenian Sea) on the surrounding environment by assessing changes in the meiofauna. The spatial distribution of meiofaunal assemblages was established along a transect running from within each reef to well outside its direct sphere of influence, along with information on the trophic conditions of sediments (chloropigments, proteins, carbohydrates and total organic matter). Although total densities were significantly higher in the Adriatic than in the Tyrrhenian, the meiofauna dis…
Aquaculture impact on benthic microbes and organic matter cycling in coastal Mediterranean sediments: a synthesis
Microbial assemblages and organic matter composition as well as their response to the disturbance induced by mussel and fish-farm biodeposition were compared in several areas of the Mediterranean: La Spezia (Ligurian Sea), Gaeta (Tyrrhenian Sea), Cattolica (Adriatic Sea) and Cyprus (Levantine Sea), on both unvegetated and Posidonia bed sediments. In all systems investigated, organic matter (as biopolymeric carbon) accumulated in aquaculture impacted sediments. Among the main biochemical classes, lipids appeared to be a good tracer of aquaculture impact, especially in fish-farm sediments. Exoenzymatic activities displayed higher values in sediment beneath the cages, indicating faster organic…
Fish-farming effects on benthic community structure in coastal sediments: analysis of meiofaunal recovery
To study the impact of organic enrichment and high biodeposition caused by intensive fish farming in coastal sediments, meiofaunal samples were collected on a monthly basis between March and October 1997 at two stations of the Gaeta Gulf: One under the Farmocean cage (2000 m3), while the other (the control) was located at about 1 km from an area not impacted by fish farming. The fish farm contained about 120 000 Dicentrarchus labrax (density 18 kg m -3). The most evident changes in the benthic habitat under the cage were a large accumulation of primary organic material (phytopigment concentrations up to 44 μg g-1), changes in sedimentary organic matter composition (increased lipid levels re…
Biogenic habitat shifts under long-term ocean acidification show nonlinear community responses and unbalanced functions of associated invertebrates
Este artículo contiene 8 páginas, 4 figuras.
Comparison of growth performance and biometric relationships in two reciprocal sturgeon hybrids reared in net cages (Sicily, Mediterranean)
This study was designed to investigate growth performance in two sturgeon hybrids reared in two quadrangular floating cages moored in an artificial pond, representing the first experience of sturgeon culture performed at Southern Mediterranean latitudes. The research was carried out from December 2000 to July 2001 and tested the growth performance, feeding parameters and biometric relationships. The sturgeons were randomly collected from the cages on a monthly basis, and total length, standard length (SL) and wet weight (WW) were recorded. The specific daily growth rate (SGRW) as somatic WW, food conversion ratio and condition factor (CF) were calculated. Biometric relationships, as linear …
Heterotrophic bacteria community and pollution indicators of mussel--farm impact in the Gulf of Gaeta (Tyrrhenian Sea).
Field studies were carried out to determine and compare the impact of organic loads due to the biodeposition of a mussel farm on the water quality and sediment in a coastal area of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). A total of five environmental and five microbial parameters were examined from March, 1997 to February, 1998 on a monthly basis at three stations: the first was located under the mussel farm, the second located at about 40 m away from the mussel farm, while the third designed as a control was at about 1-km. No clear changes in the physical characteristics of the water masses were observed, comparing the three sampling sites and the water column generally showed homogene…
Functional consequences of prey acclimation to ocean acidification for the prey and its predator
Ocean acidification is the suite of chemical changes to the carbonate system of seawater as a consequence of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Despite a growing body of evidences demonstrating the negative effects of ocean acidification on marine species, the consequences at the ecosystem level are still unclear. One factor limiting our ability to upscale from species to ecosystem is the poor mechanistic understanding of the functional consequences of the observed effects on organisms. This is particularly true in the context of species interactions. The aim of this work was to investigate the functional consequence of the exposure of a prey (the mussel Brachidontes pharaonis) t…
Seawater carbonate chemistry and biogenic habitat shifts under long-term ocean acidification
Experiments have shown that increasing dissolved CO2 concentrations (i.e. Ocean Acidification, OA) in marine ecosystems may act as nutrient for primary producers (e.g. fleshy algae) or a stressor for calcifying species (e.g., coralline algae, corals, molluscs). For the first time, rapid habitat dominance shifts and altered competitive replacement from a reef-forming to a non-reef-forming biogenic habitat were documented over one-year exposure to low pH/high CO2 through a transplant experiment off Vulcano Island CO2 seeps (NE Sicily, Italy). Ocean acidification decreased vermetid reefs complexity via a reduction in the reef-building species density, boosted canopy macroalgae and led to chang…