Abstract
In summer, the Thau lagoon is often affected by anoxic outbreaks, which induce shellfish mortality. A 3D hydrodynamic model has been set up to simulate currents driven by the wind and the sea temperature. It has been coupled to a biochemical model including oxygen, organic matter and sulphides to reproduce the ‘ malaïgue’ event. Firstly the model has been applied to the 1997 anoxic crisis that broke out in the Mèze area. It raises the importance of wind data and the impact of shellfish farming structures that lower velocity currents. The model has also been applied to the 1982 and 1987 anoxic events, using historical data. The results point out that the ‘ malaïgue’ depends on the localization of the original flare up spots and the trophic status of the lagoon. Secondly, the model has been used to assess different modifications on locations of shellfish farming areas in order to find the best way of reducing the anoxic crisis. The oxygen level could be improved by extending the distance between the shellfish areas and the coast or by reducing shellfish density.
Published Version
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