Farming in a high energy environment: potentials and constraints of sustainable offshore aquaculture in the German Bight (North Sea) = Chancen und Limitierungen extensiver Offshore-Aquakultur in der Deutschen Bucht

• Main Author: Buck, Bela H.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research 2007
• Subjects: Berichte zur Polar- und Meeresforschung; Reports on Polar and Marine Research
• Online Access: https://epic.awi.de/id/eprint/26716/; https://epic.awi.de/id/eprint/26716/1/BerPolarforsch2007543.pdf; https://hdl.handle.net/10013/epic.10548; https://hdl.handle.net/10013/epic.10548.d001

SummaryThe aim of this study was to identify scientific criteria and to acquire performance data for the development of mariculture in the context of sustainable multifunctional use of offshore space and natural resources.In connection with current plans for a massive expansion of wind farms in offshore areas of the North Sea, the idea emerged to combine these with the installation of extensive mariculture for bivalves and macroalgae. Since offshore wind farms provide safety from shipping and infrastructure for attachment and service support, the opportunity for a multiple-use concept presented itself. However, prior to such a multifunctional development, it is necessary to determine the appropriate biological, technological and management requirements as well as the performance characteristics that would allow the employment of favourable and cost-effective methodologies. To this end, spezial focus was placed on the combination of extensive offshore shellfish and seaweed farming at exposed sites within the proposed offshore wind farms.This thesis deals in detail with1. the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on the growth potential of indigenous macroalgae and bivalves in extensive mariculture systems exposed to the stressful conditions of offshore habitats: (a) effects of physical forces on the cultivated species, (b) various parameters characterising the growth performance of species, (c) testing these parameters while using a variety of substrates and technical setups, (d) survival and health conditions, (e) recruitment, (f) parasite infestation of mussels in relation to inshore and offshore exposure, and (g) site-specific responses of the species to the various harsh offshore environments,2. the interaction between physical offshore processes and man-made structures in areas of the German North Sea Territory where mariculture has potential,3. the conditions for possible combination of mariculture systems with offshore wind farms in terms of the legal framework and possible management strategies, and4. the ...