Use of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) for detecting the dispersion effect of fish farming waste: a study case from southern Tyrrhenian Sea (MED)

The effect of mariculture facilities on water column trophodynamics as revealed by biochemical features of suspended organic matter (South Tyrrhenian, MED).

A comparison of a Mediterranean aquaculture impacted area and control areas was made to assess the effect of fish farm waste discharge on the biochemical features of the water column. Trophic variables commonly used in marine ecology such as total suspended matter, suspended chlorophyll-a, biochemical features of particulate organic matter (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) and biopolymeric carbon were chosen as the best descriptors of trophic conditions. An initial analysis of data from the impact area was carried out in order to test the effect of farm waste using a gradient of distances downstream from the fish farm cages (50 m, 300 m, 1000 m). The results were then compared with a con…

Use of stable isotopes (delta13C and delta15N) for detecting the dispersione effect of fish farming waste: a stydu case from southern Tyrrhenian Sea (MED)