Development of integrated multitrophic aquaculture–based cage rearing system in an underutilized fishing port and its application in marine stock enhancement

Human activity and global climate change have severely affected marine ecosystems fishery resources. Habitat conservation stock enhancement are considered effective methods. Moreover, with the gradual disappearance of resources, fishing ports become underutilized spaces. Currently, 73 221 in Taiwan underutilized. Therefore, we, for first time, developed an integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA)-based cage rearing system suitable applied it optimal port after site evaluation selection 17 potential fishing. We further tested that hypothesis hatchery-produced organisms can be reared monitored appropriately this good survival growth as well less environmental impact handling stress. Through collocation various release different trophic levels, reduce impacts evidenced by steady water quality (stable pH undetectable levels ammonia nitrogen, nitrates, nitrites). As fish welfare, semiartificial could also discomforts transportation facilitate their adaptations to released environments positive high rates (94%–98%). The cultured naturally grown shellfish algae on nets provide habitats wild habitat enhancement. Taken together, we demonstrated is feasible implement novel IMTA-based required