Application Of Mathematical Models In The Environmental Regulation Of Net-Pen Aquaculture

Considerable effort is presently being invested in making measurements of hydrodynamic, water-quality, and benthic parameters in an effort to control and identify the environmental impacts of net-pen aquaculture. The goal of this study was to systematically investigate, in a pilot study at two contrasting sites, the use of computer models to simulate the flushing characteristics and dispersion of the fecal pellets and excess feed. A systematic attempt was made to model all of the relevant hydrodynamic aspects; e.g., spatial variations in the currents (both wind- and tide-induced and waves were modeled as appropriate. Results demonstrate that the models can provide more comprehensive information on the hydrodynamic environment, without which it is difficult to make sound regulatory decisions. The use of these models, if accepted by regulatory agencies, can result in significant cost savings to the industry.