WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN A MARINE FISH CAGE FARM

Aquaculture forms an important economic activity and involves the production of high quality food supplies. Environmental impacts of aquaculture depend on a number of parameters such as the size of the farm, feeding techniques, physicochemical and geological characteristics. The development of marine aquaculture has led to conflicting demands for coastal resources and an increased interest in water quality. The assessment of environmental impacts of aquaculture in the marine environment is necessary for the management of coastal areas in the context of sustainability. In the present work, nine water quality parameters were systematically measured in a fish cage farm in Sithonia, Chalkidiki. Monitoring of water quality took place in two sampling locations during a year. Water samples were collected monthly from three depths and the measured parameters were: temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silicate and ammonium. The results showed a decrease in the concentrations of dissolved oxygen and increased values of nutrients during the summer months. The particular unit has a moderate impact on the water quality of the surrounding area.