Management of aquaculture effluents workshop discussion summary

Aquaculture effluents should be monitored and managed, to avoid or reduce any negative environmental impacts. Monitoring fulfills two separate functions: (a) to establish environmental standards and practices that will protect the surrounding environment, and (b) to ensure compliance with regulations. Management of aquaculture discharges can be achieved by technical solutions and regulations. A workshop, "Management of Aquaculture Effluents", attended by international experts in effluent policy development and technical management was organized by The Oceanic Institute in Hawaii. This paper provides a summary of some of the main issues involved in policy development and management of effluents that were discussed as well as the conclusions that were reached at this workshop. Participants discussed policies in effect in different countries, the problems encountered in compliance, and economic implications. Management issues they discussed included the importance of setting goals and of collecting relevant data, taking into consideration the diversity of culture systems and the receiving environment. Codes of conduct and best management practices were also touched upon. Lists of considerations for developing an effluent management plan and of research needs that were developed at the workshop are also provided. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.