Sediment organic matter and meiofauna community response to long-term fish-farm impact in the Ligurian Sea (Western Mediterranean)

• Published in: Chemistry and ecology Vol. 19; no. 6; pp. 431 - 440
• Main Authors: Vezzulli, Luigi, Marrale, Daniela, Moreno, Mariapaola, Fabiano, Mauro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.12.2003; Taylor and Francis
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal aquaculture; Animal productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Copepoda; Fish farm; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Long-term impact; Marine; Meiofauna; Nematoda; Organic enrichment; Organic matter; Pisciculture; Sea water ecosystems; Synecology; Vertebrate aquaculture; Mediterranean Sea; Ligurian Sea; MED, Ligurian Sea; Meiofauna; Organic matter; Marine sediments; Fauna; Long-term impact; Long term; Marine environment; Vertebrata; Animal community; Environment impact; Pisces; Pisciculture; Fish farm; Organic enrichment
• ISSN: 0275-7540; 1029-0370
• DOI: 10.1080/02757540310001609361

Quantitative and qualitative changes in meiofauna community structure were investigated to assess the impact of a fish farm, which was operating continuously for 15 years (La Spezia Gulf, W Mediterranean). Sediment samples were collected in June, July, September, October 2000 and February 2001 for the analysis of phytopigments (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments), the biochemical composition of organic matter (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) and related to meiofaunal parameters. Sediment organic matter reached extremely high concentrations beneath the fish cages when compared to the control. Particularly lipids, carbohydrates and chlorophyll-a were significantly higher in fish-farm sediments. On a long-term basis meiofauna displayed adaptations in sediments beneath the cages resulting in an increase of density. Organic impact on meiofaunal community structure was evident in terms of an increase of the nematodes to copepods (Ne/Co) and nauplius to copepods (Na/Co) ratios in fish farm sediments. Cumaceans and kinorhynchs were encountered in control sediments, but disappeared in fish-farm samples. These data suggest that meiofauna is a sensitive tool for evaluating the effects of organic enrichment in fish farm impacted areas.