Environmental patterns associated with the development of the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, in areas with fish farming in cages

Abstract

The golden mussel infestation, Liminoperna fortunei, in fish farms has promoted environmental and economic impacts. In these areas the molluscs finds substrate for fixation and probably food availability resulting from the released organic load. Objective in this project is to identify environmental patterns associated with the development of the golden mussel in areas with and without fish farming in the Canoas II reservoir, Rio Paranapanema, SP/PR. Conduct studies shall be held for a period of 2 years during which the water limnological characteristics (transparency, temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, calcium, alkalinity and hardness, and sediment (pH, total organic carbon, total nitrogen and phosphorus), rates of sedimentation of suspended solids and phosphorus and phytoplankton community will be evaluated and associated with the development of the golden mussel (biological characteristics, growth and reproductive activity). From the results, management actions for prevention and control of this species will be recommended. Also, the economic impact of this bio-invasion will be estimated. Additionally, L. fortunei will be investigated as a bioindicator of residual dispersion of fish farming by means of the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. This research aligns itself to the purposes of the federal government to increase the production of fish, in accordance with Sao Paulo Agency for Agribusiness Technology (APTA, SAA/SP) assistance to regional demands and expansion of the research line in limnology. (AU)