engleski

Potential negative impacts of capture-based Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758) farming on marine environment

Mariculture has a long tradition in the Mediterranean Sea. Socio-economic importance of mariculture has grown since the end of the 20th century due to the high exploitation of wild stocks. Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758) farming plays a vital role in Croatian aquaculture and economy in general. Tuna farming industry still relies on catch of young animals in their natural habitat and rearing them in cages. This paper aims to provide an overview of the potential impacts of capture-based bluefin tuna farming on marine habitats and organisms. In the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea, research studies have shown that negative impacts of tuna farming on marine environment include increased concentration of organic matter and nutrients in the water column and sediment, and increased pressure on tuna populations, as well as on tuna prey (small pelagic fish). Potential negative impacts also include genetic changes, behavioral changes, changes in migratory patterns of wild tuna populations as well as changes in the predator-prey relationship. The environmental impact of tuna farming has to be strictly monitored. The ecosystem-based approach should be applied in the process of development of bluefin tuna rearing facilities, respecting all the principles of sustainable development.

Atlantic bluefin tuna, environmental impact, farming, sustainable development

nije evidentirano