Informing Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) with numerical modelling: A case-study on shellfish aquaculture in Malpeque Bay (Eastern Canada)

Type Article
Date 2015-11
Language English
Author(s) Filgueira Ramon1, Guyondet Thomas1, Bacher CedricORCID2, Comeau Luc A.1
Affiliation(s) 1 : Gulf Fisheries Ctr, Sci Branch, Dept Fisheries & Oceans, Moncton, NB E1C 9B6, Canada.
2 : French Inst Sea Res IFREMER, F-29280 Plouzane, France.
Source Marine Pollution Bulletin (0025-326X) (Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd), 2015-11 , Vol. 100 , N. 1 , P. 200-216
DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.048
WOS© Times Cited 24
Keyword(s) Physical-biogeochemical model, Marine spatial planning, Aquaculture, Carrying capacity, Ecosystem-based management
Abstract A moratorium on further bivalve leasing was established in 1999–2000 in Prince Edward Island (Canada). Recently, a marine spatial planning process was initiated explore potential mussel culture expansion in Malpeque Bay. This study focuses on the effects of a projected expansion scenario on productivity of existing leases and available suspended food resources. The aim is to provide a robust scientific assessment using available datasets and three modelling approaches ranging in complexity: (1) a connectivity analysis among culture areas; (2) a scenario analysis of organic seston dynamics based on a simplified biogeochemical model; and (3) a scenario analysis of phytoplankton dynamics based on an ecosystem model. These complementary approaches suggest (1) new leases can affect existing culture both through direct connectivity and through bay-scale effects driven by the overall increase in mussel biomass, and (2) a net reduction of phytoplankton within the bounds of its natural variation in the area.
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