Phytoplankton dynamics in the Gulf of Aqaba (Eilat, Red Sea): A simulation study of mariculture effects

•Fish farms in the Gulf of Aqaba strongly affect phytoplankton levels.•Integrating statistics and ecological models help understand phytoplankton dynamics.•Phytoplankton dynamics are driven by mariculture activity and natural forces.•Mariculture can alter typical phytoplankton dynamics and seasonal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2014-09, Vol.86 (1-2), p.481-493
Main Authors: Laiolo, Leonardo, Barausse, Alberto, Dubinsky, Zvy, Palmeri, Luca, Goffredo, Stefano, Kamenir, Yury, Al-Najjar, Tariq, Iluz, David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal aquaculture
Animal productions
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Applied ecology
Aqaba
Aquaculture
Biological and medical sciences
Coastal pollution
Coral Reefs
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
Eilat
Fish farm
Fisheries
Fishes
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Geography
Indian Ocean
Israel
Jordan
Marine
Marine and brackish environment
Microalgae - physiology
Phytoplankton - physiology
Phytoplankton dynamics
Pisciculture
Population Dynamics
Sea water ecosystems
Seasons
Synecology
Temperature
Vertebrate aquaculture
Water Pollutants
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Summary:•Fish farms in the Gulf of Aqaba strongly affect phytoplankton levels.•Integrating statistics and ecological models help understand phytoplankton dynamics.•Phytoplankton dynamics are driven by mariculture activity and natural forces.•Mariculture can alter typical phytoplankton dynamics and seasonal succession. The northern Gulf of Aqaba is an oligotrophic water body hosting valuable coral reefs. In the Gulf, phytoplankton dynamics are driven by an annual cycle of stratification and mixing. Superimposed on that fairly regular pattern was the establishment of a shallow-water fish-farm initiative that increased gradually until its activity was terminated in June 2008. Nutrient, water temperature, irradiation, phytoplankton data gathered in the area during the years 2007–2009, covering the peak of the fish-farm activity and its cessation, were analyzed by means of statistical analyses and ecological models of phytoplankton dynamics. Two datasets, one from an open water station and one next to the fish farms, were used. Results show that nutrient concentrations and, consequently, phytoplankton abundance and seasonal succession were radically altered by the pollution originating from the fish-farm in the sampling station closer to it, and also that the fish-farm might even have influenced the open water station.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.06.026