Abstract
Assessing the potential biomass yield is a key step in aquaculture site selection. This is challenging, especially for shellfish, as the growth rate depends on both trophic status and water temperature. Individual ecophysiological models can be used for mapping potential shellfish growth in coastal areas, using as input spatial time series of remotely sensed SST and chlorophyll-a. This approach was taken here to estimate the potential for developing oyster (Crassostrea gigas) farming in the western Adriatic Sea. Industry relevant indicators (i.e., shell length, total individual weight) and days required to reach marketable size were mapped using a dynamic energy budget model, finetuned on the basis of site-specific morphometric data collected monthly for a year. Spatially scaled-up results showed that the faster and more uniform growth in the northern Adriatic coastal area, compared with the southern one, where chlorophyll-a levels are lower and summer temperatures exceed the critical temperature limit for longer periods. These results could be used in planning the identification of allocated zones for aquaculture, (AZA), taking into account also the potential for farming or co-farming C. gigas. In perspective, the methodology could be used for getting insights on changes to the potential productivity indicators due to climatic changes.
Highlights
IntroductionAquaculture could play a crucial role in meeting rising food demand [1,2,3]
The results from this study provide some useful advances to the field, including much needed updated information on oyster growth dynamics for a coastal zone such as the Adriatic Sea, where spring and summer water temperatures are increasing at a faster rate compared to those in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea [18,43,44]
The suitability and ubiquity of Dynamic energy budget (DEB) model applications for C. gigas was already demonstrated for multiple Atlantic sites, where SST ranges between 6 and 24 ◦ C [25], i.e., within the thermal tolerance ranges for both ingestion 3–25 ◦ C and for respiration (3–32 ◦ C; Bourlés et al, 2009)
Summary
Aquaculture could play a crucial role in meeting rising food demand [1,2,3]. To this end, bivalve shellfish culture is a sustainable option [4], as most commercial shellfish species are fast growing, can be farmed at relatively high densities and have no needs for additional feed [5,6]. In the Mediterranean region, the identification of allocated zones for aquaculture (AZA) is used to guide and sustain the development of the industry (GFCM/36/2012/1), and the science-based identification of proper areas for aquaculture within maritime spatial planning is perceived as a priority among stakeholders [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
