Prospects for sustainable production in integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA): A review

Traditional aquaculture faces serious environmental problems, particularly due to the use of large volumes of water, with the consequent discharge of effluents rich in inorganic nutrients and organic particles. A clear example of this is that only 20 to 30% of the nitrogen present in the protein of the supplied food is used by the fish. The remaining 70 to 80% is disposed of in the water body as a result of excretion and unconsumed food, favoring the eutrophication of receiving waters and their environment. Therefore, the development of innovative, responsible, sustainable, and profitable technologies and production practices is required. One of the alternatives that is generating interest due to its environmental, economic, and social implications is the production in integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems (IMTA). This concept is based on the integration of different trophic levels in the same system, which results in a conversion of the culture residues of some species into food or fertilization for other species. Applicated, the IMTA systems can improve the sustainability of aquaculture by reducing the impact of effluents, generating greater economic profitability due to the simultaneous production of two or more end products and minimal use of fertilizers. The objective of this review is to present fundamentals basic aspects of IMTA systems, as an alternative to fish farming production systems.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Naspirán-Jojoa, D. C., Fajardo-Rosero, A. G., Ueno-Fukura, M., Collazos-Lasso, L. F.
Format: Digital revista
Language:spa
Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Bogotá - Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia 2022
Online Access:https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/remevez/article/view/101539
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!