Abstract
The goal of this study was to characterize current water quality, simulate water qual- ity in 8 large artificial reservoirs occurring along the course of the Paranapanema River, Brazil, and estimate fish production in the region to assess the impacts of this production on the local aquatic environment. Primary data describing the bottom sediments and water quality, and time series recorded between 2001 and 2011 were used. Water quality was modeled to simulate the trophic state index (TSI) for each reservoir, and 37 fish cage farms along the length of those reser- voirs were identified. Only one-third of these farms had environmental licensing for regular oper- ations. The potential increase in fish production was estimated to exceed 250% in the short to medium term. The concentrations of nutrients (organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus) present in the bottom sediment beyond areas of fish production were similar to those found in areas dis- tant from the fish farms. The TSI results indicated that the reservoirs could be classified between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. The few eutrophied areas represented approximately 1% on aver- age of the total area of the reservoirs. The reservoirs of the Paranapanema River have adequate water quality standards for aquaculture, and there is no indication that this activity is currently causing significant impacts to the overall aquatic environment in each reservoir. Nevertheless, caution is required when selecting areas for new fish farms to avoid areas that are more sus - ceptible to eutrophication.
Highlights
Aquaculture is considered a viable source of relatively cheap protein of high biological value, especially in developing countries where protein is scarce (El-Gayar & Leung 2000)
Artificial lakes and reservoirs are being increasingly used for fish farming (Ayer & Tyedmers 2009, Barton & Floysand 2010)
This activity can have a significant impact on aquatic environments (Garcia et al 2014, Li et al 2014), and minimizing these risks requires planning, legislating compliance, and managing and monitoring the environmental quality of the fish farms (Nyanti et al 2012, Ling et al 2013, Ramos et al 2013)
Summary
Aquaculture is considered a viable source of relatively cheap protein of high biological value, especially in developing countries where protein is scarce (El-Gayar & Leung 2000). In addition to food production, the expansion of aquaculture in artificial reservoirs benefits local economies by generating employment and income along the entire aquaculture production chain (Ross et al 2011), representing an important production alternative for populations affected by the construction of dams (Abery et al 2005). This activity can have a significant impact on aquatic environments (Garcia et al 2014, Li et al 2014), and minimizing these risks requires planning, legislating compliance, and managing and monitoring the environmental quality of the fish farms (Nyanti et al 2012, Ling et al 2013, Ramos et al 2013)
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