Opportunities and challenges for fish culture in Brazilian reservoirs: a review

• Published in: Acta limnológica brasiliensia 2018-11, Vol.30
• Main Authors: Zaniboni-Filho, Evoy, Pedron, Janaína dos Santos, Ribolli, Josiane
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: eutrophication; impacts; LIMNOLOGY; net cage; oligotrophic; pollution
• ISSN: 0102-6712; 2179-975X; 2179-975X
• DOI: 10.1590/s2179-975x12617

Abstract Aim Aquaculture plays an important role in the world and in Brazil. Artificial construction of water bodies, such as ponds and reservoirs, has allowed for fish culture in cages in those environments, generating conflicts over the use of these public waters. The producers are seeking to increase production, and the ecosystem is susceptible to the impacts caused by production activity. The aim of this review was to identify questions about these conflicts (productivity × environment) and to indicate possible solutions to the main problems related to fish farming in reservoirs. Methods A bibliographical survey was carried out on the main aspects of cage fish farming in Brazilian reservoirs. Studies from 1977 to 2018 (scientific journals, books, and thesis) were revised using seven databases, the CAPES periodicals portal and Google Scholar websites. The main keywords used were “aquaculture”, “reservoir”, “cage”, “eutrophication”, “carrying capacity”, “impacts”, “oligotrophic”, “escapes”, “hybrids”, and “pollution”. Results We accessed approximately 330 and cited 151 documents. Conclusions The negative aspects associated with cage fish farming, as escapes of cultivated fish, and the possible solutions of this and others negative impacts were addressed, identifying mechanisms for reducing conflicts between environmental impacts and aquaculture production. Potential solutions include the use of native fish species or sterile species, implementation of monitoring systems of the surrounding area, adoption of measures to reduce the accidental escape of fish, use of multitrophic culture systems, use of highly digestible diets with appropriate food management, and use of computer programs that incorporate current and historical environmental data to calculate carrying capacity and choose the most appropriate location for production. Resumo Objetivo A aquicultura apresenta grande importância no cenário mundial e brasileiro. A construção artificial de grandes corpos de água, como açudes e reservatórios, aumenta o potencial de cultivo de peixes em tanques-redes nesses ambientes, gerando conflitos sobre o uso dessas águas públicas, onde de um lado está a cadeia produtiva buscando o incremento da produção, e do outro lado o ecossistema, susceptível aos impactos causados pela atividade. O objetivo desta revisão foi levantar questionamentos sobre estes conflitos (produtividade × ambiente) e indicar possíveis soluções para os principais problemas ligados à criação de