Integrated mariculture: Asking the right questions

M. Troell, C. Halling, A. Neori, T. Chopin, A. H. Buschmann, N. Kautsky, C. Yarish

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Reducing negative environmental impacts from aquaculture activities is a key issue for ensuring long-term sustainability of the industry. This study examines the major findings and methodology aspects from 28 peer-reviewed studies on marine aquaculture systems integrating fed and extractive organisms. All studies include seaweeds as extractive organisms. The main objective was to analyse the degree of relevance these findings have for large-scale implementation of integrated mariculture practices, and to identify necessary research areas for a future research agenda. The following directions for future research were identified: (1) understand in detail the important biological/biochemical processes in closed recirculating and open seaweed culture systems; (2) conduct research into these advanced aquaculture technologies at scales relevant to commercial implementation or suitable for extrapolation; (3) broaden the focus to include factors affecting seaweed growth and uptake capacity; (4) improve experimental design for statistical calculations; (5) attain a detailed understanding of the temporal variability in seaweed-filtered mariculture systems; (6) define numerical design parameters critical for engineers in designing commercial recirculation systems with seaweed filters; (7) study the influences of location-specific parameters, such as latitude, climate and local seaweed strains/species, on seaweed filter performance; (8) include economic components, considering the added value of seaweeds, and feasibility aspects; (9) analyse the role and function of integrated aquaculture practices for improved environmental, economic, and social acceptability within the broader perspective of integrated coastal management initiatives; and (10) develop educational, training and financial incentive approaches to transfer these novel and somewhat complex technologies of integrated mariculture from the scientists to the industry.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-90
Number of pages22
JournalAquaculture
Volume226
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Oct 2003
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (AquaNet Network of Centres of Excellence in Aquaculture), the Fundación Terram and the British Embassy, Chile, the Israeli Department for Energy and Infrastructure, European Union and Israeli Department of Science joint programs, and a USA–Israel BARD grant, and the State of Connecticut Critical Technology Grant Program, the Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York Sea Grant College Programs, and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, NOAA (DOC), USA. We are grateful for Kathy Chopins help with editing and for very constructive comments by anonymous reviewers.

Keywords

  • Land-based system
  • Mariculture
  • Open-water system

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science

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