This study consisted of a site characterization followed by a biomonitoring study utilizing the zebra mussel, <i>Dreissena polymorpha</i>, at the Times Beach Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), located in Buffalo, New York. Concentrations of the selected contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the following metals: arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and silver (Ag), were at or below detection limits in the water column. In the sediment toxicant concentrations were as high as 549 mg/kg for total PAHs, 9 mg/kg for PCB Aroclor 1248, and 54, 99, 6, 355, 637, and 16 mg/kg for the metals: As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg respectively. To predict contaminant bioavailability, elutriate and whole sediment toxicity tests were performed utilizing the cladoceran, <i>Daphnia magna</i>. The whole sediment tests showed a significant impact. Control survival was 84%, while the sediment treatment survival range was 1-7%. Mean control reproduction was 86.8 neonates, whereas treatment group reproduction ranged from 1.4 to 9.0. Zebra mussels, placed both in the water column (Upper) and at the sediment level (Lower), survived the 34-day exposure. Contaminants which significantly accumulated in zebra mussel tissue during the exposure period (mg/kg) were total PAHs (6.58), fluoranthene (1.23), pyrene (1.08), chrysene (0.98), benzo(a)anthracene (0.60), PCB Aroclor 1248 (1.64), As (0.97), Cr (2.87), and Ba (7.00). The accumulation of benzo(a)anthracene was statistically higher in the Upper mussels; however, this did not occur for any other toxicant. Accumulation of these contaminants in zebra mussel tissue represent a potential hazard to organisms (ie. fish and birds) which feed on them. / Master of Science

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:59:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Carla Canzi.pdf: 1452625 bytes, checksum: a8cf8663ae90bd74144a848c32b75a2d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-15 / The study was conducted to know the nutritional value of the invasive mussel L. fortunei and its potential use as food in the manufacture of feed for fish. The work was done in two stages. The first step processed two types of meal, using a mussel in its integral form (valves and body content), called the FMI, and the other using only the valves and called FMV. In the processed materials analysis of crude protein (CP) were done, lipids, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu ), Mercury (Hg), Zinc (Zn), pH and bacteriology (Salmonella sp, bactérias mesófilas, enterobacterias e E. colli). In the second step the material was submitted to evaluate the apparent digestibility of CP, and availability of Ca and P, for Tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results were: CP (%) 12.95 and 8.64; Lipids (%) 1.01 and 0.42, Ash (%) 80.53 and 86.43 (%) P (%) 0, 11 and 0.10, Ca (%) 27.27 and 28.70; Na (%) 3.79 e3, 29 and pH 6.7 and 6.9, for FMV and IMF, respectively. The results of heavy metals and bacteriology were considered acceptable for use in animal feed. Regarding the apparent digestibility of crude protein and apparent availability of Ca and P, the material did not show satisfactory performance and is not considered appropriate to use for feeding tilápia. / O Estudo foi realizado com objetivo de conhecer o valor nutricional do molusco invasor Limnoperna fortunei e o seu potencial de utilização como alimento na fabricação de rações para peixes. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em duas etapas. Na primeira foram processados dois tipos de farinha, uma utilizando molusco na forma integral (valvas e conteúdo corporal), denominada FMI, e outra utilizando somente as valvas, denominada FMV. Nos materiais processados foram realizadas analises de proteína bruta (PB), lipídeos, cinza, cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), sódio (Na), potássio(K), chumbo (Pb), cobalto (Co), cobre (Cu), mercúrio(Hg), zinco(Zn), pH e bacteriologia ((Salmonella sp,bactérias mesófilas, enterobacterias e E. colli). Na segunda etapa, o material foi submetido à avaliação da digestibilidade aparente da PB, e disponibilidade do Ca e P, utilizando a espécie Tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus). Os resultados obtidos foram: PB(%) 12,95 e 8,64; lipídeos (%) 1,01 e 0,42; cinza (%) 80,53 e 86,43(%), P(%)0,11 e 0,10; Ca(%) 27,27 e 28,70; Na (%) 3,79 e 3,29 e pH 6,7 e 6,9; para FMI e FMV, respectivamente. Os resultados de metais pesados e bacteriologia se mostraram dentro de níveis considerados aceitáveis à utilização em ração animal. Em relação à digestibilidade aparente da PB e disponibilidade aparente de Ca e P, o material não apresentou desempenho satisfatório, não sendo considerado adequado o seu uso para alimentação da espécie tilápia.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:13:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Carla Canzi.pdf: 1452625 bytes, checksum: a8cf8663ae90bd74144a848c32b75a2d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-15 / The study was conducted to know the nutritional value of the invasive mussel L. fortunei and its potential use as food in the manufacture of feed for fish. The work was done in two stages. The first step processed two types of meal, using a mussel in its integral form (valves and body content), called the FMI, and the other using only the valves and called FMV. In the processed materials analysis of crude protein (CP) were done, lipids, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu ), Mercury (Hg), Zinc (Zn), pH and bacteriology (Salmonella sp, bactérias mesófilas, enterobacterias e E. colli). In the second step the material was submitted to evaluate the apparent digestibility of CP, and availability of Ca and P, for Tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results were: CP (%) 12.95 and 8.64; Lipids (%) 1.01 and 0.42, Ash (%) 80.53 and 86.43 (%) P (%) 0, 11 and 0.10, Ca (%) 27.27 and 28.70; Na (%) 3.79 e3, 29 and pH 6.7 and 6.9, for FMV and IMF, respectively. The results of heavy metals and bacteriology were considered acceptable for use in animal feed. Regarding the apparent digestibility of crude protein and apparent availability of Ca and P, the material did not show satisfactory performance and is not considered appropriate to use for feeding tilápia. / O estudo foi realizado com objetivo de conhecer o valor nutricional do molusco invasor Limnoperna fortunei e o seu potencial de utilização como alimento na fabricação de rações para peixes. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em duas etapas. Na primeira foram processados dois tipos de farinha, uma utilizando molusco na forma integral (valvas e conteúdo corporal), denominada FMI, e outra utilizando somente as valvas, denominada FMV. Nos materiais processados foram realizadas analises de proteína bruta (PB), lipídeos, cinza, cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), sódio (Na), potássio(K), chumbo (Pb), cobalto (Co), cobre (Cu), mercúrio(Hg), zinco(Zn), pH e bacteriologia ((Salmonella sp,bactérias mesófilas, enterobacterias e E. colli). Na segunda etapa, o material foi submetido à avaliação da digestibilidade aparente da PB, e disponibilidade do Ca e P, utilizando a espécie Tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus). Os resultados obtidos foram: PB(%) 12,95 e 8,64; lipídeos (%) 1,01 e 0,42; cinza (%) 80,53 e 86,43(%), P(%)0,11 e 0,10; Ca(%) 27,27 e 28,70; Na (%) 3,79 e 3,29 e pH 6,7 e 6,9; para FMI e FMV, respectivamente. Os resultados de metais pesados e bacteriologia se mostraram dentro de níveis considerados aceitáveis à utilização em ração animal. Em relação à digestibilidade aparente da PB e disponibilidade aparente de Ca e P, o material não apresentou desempenho satisfatório, não sendo considerado adequado o seu uso para alimentação da espécie tilápia.

Landscape ecology helps in predicting the influence of habitat fragmentation on populations. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are expected to create areas of good quality patches and so improve connectivity among shores. MPAs are believed not only to protect adult populations, but also to enhance recruitment both within MPAs and on surrounding exploited shores, therefore improving their ability to recover from overexploitation. As such, MPAs are a preferred management tool for the conservation of natural populations. Although MPAs have been demonstrated to enhance adult abundances, little work has been done on their ability to provide so called "spill-over" of recruits nor has the generality of the influence of MPAs been investigated in a single region with multiple control sites. The Transkei region, on the east coast of South Africa, and the intertidal mussel, Perna perna, offer an ideal system to test the generality of the influence of MPAs on surrounding shores, due to the presence of multiple MPAs and exploited control sites. Patterns of adult abundance were surveyed at four MPAs and two comparably sized exploited control sites. Adult abundances were, in general, found to be higher within MPAs than at exploited control sites, with adult abundances decreasing towards the edge of MPAs and decreasing even more on the outside shores. To simplify the sorting procedure for samples of mussel recruits, a new method using fractionated elutriation was devised and tested. This new method was found to be more accurate, although not statistically significant but also substantially more time consuming. The increase in accuracy although not statistically significant could be biologically significant, especially when looking at low numbers. This new method could, therefore, be very useful especially when [...] is low. Recruitment was estimated over three months during the main reproductive season at two of the MPAs and at appropriate control sites. I predicted that recruitment patterns would mirror the patterns found in adult abundances and that there would be directionality in patterns of recruitment, with northern sites having greater recruitment due to the direction of near-shore ocean currents. Contrary to this, there were no correlations between adult abundance and recruitment for any of the months or sites, with no clear spatial pattern of recruitment in any of the three months. There was, however, a slight trend of greater recruitment at northern sites. To explain the lack of consistency in recruitment and adult abundances, wind data were used to examine the near-shore surface currents in this area, with theoretical surface currents showing similar patterns to those observed for recruitment. From a landscape perspective, the good patches created by MPAs supply recruits to the surrounding matrix but the low quality of habitat in the matrix prevents rehabilitation. The quality of the matrix must therefore be first improved by reseeding these shores. These results emphasise that while MPAs may function in protecting adult abundances, their influence on supplying recruits and hence recovery of near-by exploited shores may be overestimated. This lack of influence on near-by exploited shores highlights the need for reseeding of shores in conjunction with suitable management plans.

Den globala uppvärmningen förväntas öka jordens medeltemperatur framledes, vilket innebär att nederbördmönster kommer att ändras till följd av torka och översvämningar. Detta kommer att innebära ett ökat hot för många sötvattensmusslor, som redan är en av de mest hotade grupperna i världen. Temperaturen är en essentiell abiotisk faktor som styr fortplantning, tillväxt och överlevnad. Att mäta kritiskt temperaturmaximum (KTM) är en metod som är framtaget för att användas för att få en förståelse huruvida organismer tål värmeökningar. Under processen sker en gradvis uppvärmning under ett snabbt förlopp, och vid uppnådd KTM utsätts organismen för en extrem stress. Vid flertalet utförda inventeringar i Sverige har uteblivna föryngringar av sötvattensmusslor upptäckts. Syftet är därav att vi i detta experiment ska se om det råder skillnader i värmekänslighet hos befruktade musslor kontra obefruktade musslor. Hypoteserna är (1) befruktad dammussla når KTM tidigare än obefruktad dammussla och (2) befruktad dammusslas fot är utan rörelsekontroll vid en lägre temperatur än hos de obefruktade.  Allmän dammussla (Anodonta anatina) användes till experimentet, då den är helt utesluten ur den internationella rödlistan och vanligt förekommande i svenska sötvatten. Musslorna, vilka plockades i Alsterälven, acklimatiserades i fyra dygn i 10 °C. Under experimentet värmdes vattnet kontinuerligt med 0,3 °C/min, tills KTM hade uppnåtts. Resultatet för hypotes (1) visar att befruktade dammusslor hade ett signifikant högre KTM än obefruktade (t-test, p=0,039), vilket är tvärtemot min hypotes. Resultat för hypotes (2) visar ingen skillnad mellan grupperna (t-test, p=0,54). Varför befruktade musslor uppnådde ett högre KTM skulle kunna bero på att glochidierna stört filtreringen, så pass att gälfunktionen stärkts, vilket lett till att de klarar att hålla igång filtreringen och sin egen metabolism vid högre temperaturer. Mer studier behövs för att få en ökad förståelse över musslors känslighet av temperaturförändringar. / Global warming is expected to increase the earth's average temperature in the future, which means that precipitation patterns will change as a result of droughts and floods. This will pose an increased threat to many freshwater mussels, which are already one of the most endangered groups in the world. Temperature is an essential abiotic factor that controls reproduction, growth and survival. Critical temperature maximum (CTM) is a method that has been developed to be used to gain an understanding of whether organisms can tolerate heat increases. During the process, a gradual heating takes place during a rapid process, and when CTM is reached, the organism is exposed to extreme stress. In the majority of inventories carried out in Sweden, missing rejuvenations of freshwater mussels have been discovered. The purpose is that in this experiment we will see if there are differences in heat sensitivity of fertilized mussels versus unfertilized mussels. The hypotheses are that (1) fertilized mussels reaches their CTM earlier than unfertilized mussels and (2) fertilized mussels relax their foot completely at a lower temperature than the unfertilized mussels. The result for hypothesis (1) shows that fertilized mussels had a significantly higher CTM than unfertilized (t-test, p = 0.039), which is contrary to my hypothesis. Results for hypothesis (2) show no difference between the groups (t-test, p = 0.54). The common duck mussel (Anodonta anatina) was used for the experiment, as it is not in the international red list and is commonly found in Swedish freshwaters. The mussels, which are from the Alsterälven River, were acclimatized for four days in 10 °C river water before the experiment. During the experiment, the water was continuously heated at 0.3 °C/min, until the CTM was reached. Why fertilized mussels achieved a higher CTM could be due to the fact that the glochidians disrupted the filtration, so much so that the gill function was strengthened, which led to them being able to keep the filtration going and their own metabolism at higher temperatures. More studies are needed to gain an increased understanding of mussels' sensitivity to temperature changes.

A freshwater mussel survey was conducted in Indian Creek, Tazewell County, Virginia, during 1996 and 1997. Fifteen species were identified, including the federally endangered <i>Epioblasma florentina walkeri<i>, <i>Villosa perpurpurea</i>, and <i>Quadrula cylindrica strigillata</i>. Population assessments and fish host identifications were completed for the tan riffleshell and purple bean populations. Host fish for <i>E. f. walkeri</i> were limited to the banded and mottled sculpin, greenside darter, redline darter, fantail darter, and snubnose darter. Fish hosts identified for <i>V. perpurpurea</i> also were the banded and mottled sculpin, greenside darter, and redline darter. Size class structure of the tan riffleshell population ranged from 19.9 to 53.3 mm, with the population estimated at nearly 700 individuals with a density of 0.015/m². Size class structure of the purple bean population ranged from 22.9 to 66.7 mm, with the population estimated at only 70 individuals with a density of 0.002/m². Host fish also were identified for <i>Dromus dromas</i> and <i>Lemiox rimosus</i>. The fantail darter was identified as a host for <i>D. dromas</i>, with the snubnose darter serving as a host for <i>L. rimosus</i>. Additional percids were implicated as hosts for both mussel species. A molecular genetic key for identifying host fishes of the upper Clinch River also was constructed. The key was constructed through the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms from amplified regions of mussel DNA. Thirty-six unionid species were incorporated into the key. No host fishes were identified due to an unsolved problem with amplifying DNA from glochidia collected from wild fish. / Master of Science

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the role of contracting in reducing transaction costs in smalIscale mussel farming in Saldanha Bay. Masiza Mussel Growers (Masiza), an initiative by the public and private sector to address the imbalances of the past through entrepreneurial development, are used as a case study hence a case study approach is followed. Two transactions were considered, one between Masiza and Blue Bay Aqua Farm (Blue Bay) and another between La Vie Sea Food Products (La Vie) and Masiza. These transactions form the basis for analysis. Market risks, uncertainties, environmental risks, information incompleteness, illiteracy, limited technical knowledge of farming, lack of appropriate infrastructure and lack of transport facilities are identified and examined as possible sources of transaction costs that constrain the existing supply chain relationship. The study shows that asset specificity, time specificity, and site specificity playa positive role in the supply chain as they result in relative dependency amongst parties. Opportunistic behavior within the existing supply chain is neutral, but appears to be relatively high on the spot or fresh live market. Characteristics of market transactions for mussels and associated transaction costs suggest that fresh-live spot market trading for Masiza is difficult to attain. This therefore motivates parties (Masiza) to contract or vertically integrate, as it is costly and risky to rely on spot live markets. Interviewees (Masiza) pointed out that the benefits associated with contract farming outweigh the transaction costs associated with this governance structure. Hence a market specification contract with the La Vie (a processing company), and a production management and resource provision contract with Blue Bay (a larger producer) were designed. They reduce transaction costs associated with fresh-live markets and ensure a more stable and reliable market for growers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie ondersoek die rol van kontraktering in die vermindering van transaksie koste vir klein skaal mossel produsente in Saldanha baai. Die Masiza Mussel Growers (Masiza) word as gevallestudie gebruik. Twee transaksies met o.a. Blue bay Aqua Farm (Blue Bay) en La Vie Sea Food Products (La Vie) was ter sprake en laasgenoemde het as basis vir die analise gedien. Mark risiko, onsekerheid, omgewings risiko, gebrekkige informasie, ongeletterdheid, beperkte tegniese kennis, beperkte infrastruktuur en beperkte verroer fasiliteite is geidentifiseer en ondersoek as moontlike oorsake van hoë transaksie koste wat die huidige aanbod ketting strem. Die studie toon aan dat interafhanklikheid tussen die betrokke partye deur bate, tyd en area spesifisiteite bevorder word en dus 'n positiewe rol in die aanbod ketting speel. Opportunistiese gedrag binne die bestaande aanbod ketting is neutraal, maar blyk hoog te wees in die vars mark. Transaksie kostes en eienskappe blyk beduidende beperkinge te wees vir kleinskaal mossel produsente om aktief deel te neem in die mark. Die opstel van kontrakte (of vertikale integrasie) blyk dus 'n uitkoms te wees. Respondente het aangetoon dat kontrak boerdery voordelig blyk te wees. Laasgoemde het tot die ontwikkeling van mark kontrakte met die La Vie ('n verwerkings maatskappy) asook produksie bestuur en hulpbron voorsiennings kontrakte met Blue Bay ('n groot kommersiële produsent) gelei. Die kontrakte beperk transaksie koste vir die vars mark en verseker 'n stabiele en betroubare mark vir produsente. 'n Transaksie koste analiese word gebruik om transaksie kostes te ondersoek en te verifieer binne die industrie.

The Baltic Sea is the most polluted sea in the world. Its hydrological conditions and ongoing eutrophication are a high threat for marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, eutrophication has negative effects on the wellbeing of countries and their societies in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Actions to mitigate eutrophication in the Baltic Sea have been implemented through on-land measures in the last 40 years. Although the improvement in the marine environment is notable, it happens very slowly. In order to combat eutrophication, there is a need for a combination of on-land and in-situ measures. In this study, blue mussel farming practices are presented as one of the in-situ measures to combat eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. Blue mussel farming has been implemented in Sweden since the 1980s and has potential to not only mitigate the amounts of nutrients that accumulate in the sea but also brings a circular approach to resource use. In this study, stakeholders from four different sectors that are closely related to blue mussel farming practices and Baltic Sea issues have been interviewed with the aim of making a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder perceptions of blue mussel farming practices in the BSR. Interviewed stakeholders represent four different sectors - academia, entrepreneurs, municipalities and NGOs. A comprehensive analysis of stakeholders’ perceptions on blue mussel farming practises from environmental, social and economic perspective is presented. All interviewed stakeholders are actors in Sweden and represent Swedish perspective on blue mussel farming activities. Potential causes for different perceptions across sectors are discussed.

A utilização de materiais de referência certificados em análise química é requisito importante em sistemas de garantia da qualidade, pois permite que métodos analíticos sejam validados e que seja obtida a rastreabilidade metrológica de resultados. Isso permite que se obtenham resultados válidos e comparáveis entre si, tanto no espaço quanto no tempo. Neste trabalho, foram realizadas todas as etapas para o preparo de um material de referência de mexilhão nacional, desde a coleta até as etapas de processamento tais como liofilização, moagem, envase e esterilização. Foram utilizados princípios internacionalmente aceitos para a avaliação da homogeneidade e da estabilidade do material, utilizando-se as técnicas analíticas de análise por ativação neutrônica instrumental e espectrometria de absorção atômica. Por meio da organização de programa colaborativo, com a participação de laboratórios nacionais e estrangeiros, foi realizada a caracterização química do material de referência de mexilhão, com determinação de elementos que ocorrem na faixa de porcentagem em massa a mg kg-1, no total de 47 elementos, além de alguns radionuclídeos naturalmente presentes no material. Com a aplicação de técnicas estatísticas adequadas, considerou-se que há possibilidade de certificação de 11 desses elementos: As, Ca, Cl, Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, Th e Zn. Esse estudo pode ser considerado passo importante no desenvolvimento metrológico nacional, pois demonstra que a produção e caracterização de materiais de referência biológicos, de mexilhão em particular, é viável no Brasil, como ferramenta de garantia da qualidade para estudos ambientais e nutricionais realizados no país. / The use of certified reference materials in chemical analysis is an important requirement in quality assurance systems, as it allows the validation of analytical methods and the realization of the metrological traceability of results. Then, it is possible to obtain valid and comparable results not only in space, but also in time. In this study, all the steps for the preparation of a national mussel reference material were attained, from the collection of the bulk material to processing steps such as freeze-drying, grinding, bottling and sterilization. Internationally accepted principles were applied for the homogeneity and stability assessment of the material, using instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry as analytical techniques. By means of a collaborative program with participation of Brazilian and foreign laboratories, the chemical characterization of the material was performed. Element content in the mass percentage to mg kg-1 range was determined for 47 elements and some radionuclides, naturally present in the material. With the application of suitable statistical treatment to the data, it was considered that the content of 11 of those elements may be certified: As, Ca, Cl, Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, Th and Zn. This study may be considered an important step in the national metrological development, as it shows that the production and characterization of biological reference materials, mussel in particular, is feasible in Brazil, as a tool for quality assurance of environmental and nutritional studies performed in the country.

Frente ao crescimento acelerado da maricultura estão surgindo dificuldades entre as instituições governamentais para promover o desenvolvimento sustentável do setor. Com isso, aumenta cada vez mais a necessidade de se estudar a influência dos cultivos sobre os ambientes nos quais eles estão inseridos. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar experimentalmente a produção de resíduos sólidos gerados pelos mexilhões cultivados na Praia da Cocanha, área com o maior adensamento de cultivos de mexilhões no litoral de São Paulo. Para isso, mensalmente entre fevereiro de 2008 e janeiro de 2009, foram desenvolvidos e executados experimentos com mexilhões de cultivo visando a quantificação dos resíduos sólidos gerados. Os resultados indicaram que a quantidade de resíduos variou significativamente conforme o tamanho dos organismos e ao longo do tempo. As variáveis oceanográficas variaram ao longo do ano sem um padrão definido e não explicaram a produção de resíduos sólidos. A produção anual estimada para a área foi de 233,8 à 718,9 (415,1 ±174,7) toneladas de resíduos sólidos conforme o adensamento dos cultivos. Em função disso, são necessários estudos específicos sobre as características hidrodinâmicas do local para que se possa avaliar a magnitude e a localização dos impactos causados pela atividade no local. / Due to the fast aquaculture\'s growth in Brazil, governmental institutions are facing difficulties to promote a sustainable development of the activity. With this, there is an increasing necessity of researches to determine the influence of mussel cultures on the environment. In this context, this study aims to experimentally determine solid waste production from mussels\' culture in Cocanha Beach, the largest mussel culture site in São Paulo State\'s coast. For this, monthly experiments with cultivated mussels where carried out from February/2008 to January/2009 to quantify the amount of solid waste produced. The results showed that the amount of solid waste produced had a significant variation with the size of the organisms and also through the year. The oceanographic parameters also varied throughout the study period but could not explain the variation in solid waste production. Annual total production was estimated in 233,8 to 718,9 (415,1 ±174,7) tons of solid waste, which varied in relation to the density of the culture. Due to these findings, further specific researches concerning local hydrodynamic characteristics are requested in order to determine the exact location and range of the area that suffers the impact derived from local aquaculture activities.