Learning objectives
<br />to present and discuss the basic concepts of aquaculture and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems.<br />to analyse the common typologies of aquaculture systems through the analysis of selected study cases<br />to apply some basic monitoring techniques in order to detect impacts of a selected farming plant <br />
Course unit content
<br />Fundamental concepts and theories<br />Basic concepts of aquaculture, with emphasis on animal species. Most common species, biology, ecology and productivity of the most common species. Farming techniques, current status and perspectives. Sustainability and impacts: nutrient and chemicals' delivery, eutrophication, genetic erosion, alteration of local economies. Ecological integrity and aquaculture. <br />Study cases<br />Mollusc farming in the Adriatic coastal lagoons<br /><br />Fish farming in suspended cages in the near-shore<br />Shrimp farming and mangrove and coral reef losses<br />Land-based farming of brackish species (Orbetello lagoon)<br />Trout farming in the Apennine streams (Val Cedra, Parma)<br /><br />Practical <br />1) Visit and monitoring activities in the Trout Farming at Selvanizza (Parma)<br />2) Visit of the salmonid hatchery and nursery at Collagna (Reggio Emilia)<br />3) Visit and survey of natural communities and common fish species in the Busatello wetland system
Bibliography
reprints and teachers' notes
Teaching methods
<br />Teaching<br />Lecturing <br />Presentation and discussion of study cases<br />Practical work performed by students with the assistance of a technical staff<br /> <br />Assessment<br />Written test
