An Integrated Modelling Approach for the Management of Clam Farming in Coastal Lagoons

The development of shellfish farming was analysed with a coupled watershed and 3D biogeochemical model for the Sacca di Goro coastal lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy). Sacca di Goro is the second site in Europe for the production of the Manila clam (Tapes philippinarum). Different scenarios were identified and analysed considering business as usual and target policy options. Farming area increases of 15 and 30% were compared with the present situation, considering clam productivity under different environmental conditions, namely with and without macroalgal blooms. Those options were then analysed under different nutrient loadings, depending upon distinct watershed uses, and freshwater delivery from the lagoon catchment under dry, normal and wet climatic conditions. Model simulations indicated that a further increase of clam arming areas, or a more intense exploitation, in the inner zones of the lagoon will increase the risk of anoxia and macroalgal blooms. A significant increase of clam productivity was predicted for a moderate development (up to 15%) of farming activities along the sea-side of the sand barrier. Finally, preliminary simulations evidenced that meteorological conditions can affect clam productivity, especially in dry year due to a shortage of food supply.

MARINOV Dimitar;  GALBIATI Lorenzo;  GIORDANI G.;  VIAROLI P.;  NORRO Alain;  BENCIVELLI Silvano;  ZALDIVAR COMENGES Jose'; 

2007-07-23

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

JRC34534

0044-8486,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC34534,   

10.1016/j.aquaculture.2007.04.071,