Abstract
This study evaluated the diet and reproductive aspects of the population of Pimelodus maculatus around net cage fish farming in order to assess the possible impacts of this activity. Monthly collections were performed from March 2008 to February 2009 on two populations: one close to the net cages (NC) and one from an area not influenced by these cages denominated the “reference site” (RS). Results of the Alimentary Index (AI), Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), reproductive potential and histological analysis were obtained for both NC and RS populations. The population from NC used leftover food (ration) that escapes from net cages as the main food item (99.3%). For the RS population, the detritus item was the more important food source (51.7%). The Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) showed that the use of food resources was different between the two sites. The reproductive period of the species (indicated by the GSI) revealed that the population of the NC showed an extended reproductive period compared to RS. The histology of the ovaries indicated that the specimens in the NC were spawning capable. This study indicates that fish farming activities influence the species P. maculatus in the Chavantes reservoir by adding a new resource to the food web.
Highlights
As a food-producing sector, aquaculture has surpassed both capture fisheries and terrestrially farmed meat production in terms of average annual growth
We aimed to respond the following questions: (1) Does the population of this species around the net cage fish farming have a different diet and feeding activity compared to the reference site? (2) Do changes occur in the reproductive aspect of the species due to the fish farming activities?
In total, 888 individuals of P. maculatus were captured in the net cages (NC) and 112 individuals were captured in the reference site (RS)
Summary
As a food-producing sector, aquaculture has surpassed both capture fisheries and terrestrially farmed meat production in terms of average annual growth. A number of biosecurity concerns arise due to the risks posed to sustainable aquaculture development. As aquaculture is very diverse in terms of species, nvironments, systems. Biological Sciences and practices, the range of hazards is broad and the perceived risks are complex (ARTHUR; BONDAD-REANTASO, 2012). The possibility to increase aquaculture production in the future seems to be very high (GJEDREM, 2012). Net cage fish farming is a fast-growing activity, but has a potential impact on the biota of both freshwater and marine environments
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