Abstract
Longline mussel farming has been proposed as a tool to remove nutrients and counteract the negative effects of eutrophication in coastal waters. In this study, we use coupled 3D hydrodynamic and ecological modelling in combination with measurements from a full-scale mitigation farm to assess the environmental effects of mitigation cultures in Skive Fjord, Denmark, a shallow eutrophic estuary. The results show that mitigation cultures decrease chl a concentration and increase Secchi depth especially in the surroundings of the farms but also on a basin scale. Fecal production by the mussels increases sedimentation below the farms but reduces ambient sedimentation, resulting in a net decrease in sedimentation of organic material on a basin scale. Comparisons with nutrient load reduction scenarios indicate that nutrient removal by mitigation cultures have a higher short-term impact on water quality parameters (chl a, Secchi depth and sedimentation) than nutrient removal using land-based measures.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Aquaculture Environment Interactions |
Volume | 11 |
Pages (from-to) | 191-204 |
ISSN | 1869-215X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- Eutrophication
- Mussel culture
- Nutrients
- Modelling
- DEB model
- Water quality indicators