Environmental impact assessment of mediterranean farms, TECAM, Zaragosa, 17 -21 january 2000 (Cahiers options méditerranéennes volume 55)

Aquaculture production in the Mediterranean has rapidly expanded in the last decade. Production techniques have progressed as a result of efforts by the private sector and the scientific community but problems have concurrently been faced. To deal with the emerging issues and to maintain the momentum, regional cooperation was required. Four international networks involving partnerships between UN organisations (FAO), Mediterranean regional (CIHEAM) and national institutions were placed under the aegis of the Committee on Aquaculture of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
This seminar was organised with the aim of reviewing the key methodologies for assessing and modelling the environmental impact of Mediterranean marine aquaculture, and to address new approaches in techniques and monitoring strategies affecting both large-scale (carrying capacity for sustainable aquaculture production in a given coastal area) and small-scale management (sustainability of specific projects).
The seminar included reviews and technical papers, case studies and open discussions that were divided into six sessions, namely : introduction , environmental framework related to fish farming , farming issues related to the environment , survey and monitoring , practical experiences , and new developments.