Integration of Meta-Analysis and Modeling of Marine Aquaculture and Biodiversity to Inform Evidence-Based Adaptive Management: A Case Study in the Mediterranean Basin

The impact of marine aquaculture on benthic biodiversity has gained significant attention as a result of the growing need for sustainable food production and the preservation – eventual restoration – of marine ecosystems. This study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis of the impacts of aquaculture on benthic biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. This evidence-based synthesis demonstrates that aquaculture facilities have a moderate impact on biodiversity compared to undisturbed areas. The impact of aquaculture is highly context-dependent, varying significantly across different Mediterranean eco-regions, habitat types, and specific environmental conditions. Significant effects were observed in the Eastern Basins, while Central and Western Basins exhibited lower effects. Further, the type of habitat affected the extent of the impact, with soft bottom habitats showing more significant impacts. Interestingly, through a further modeling exercise, the trophic state of farmed species, as well the water temperature emerged as critical factors, with low Chlorophyll-<i>a</i> areas with the highest temperatures exhibiting more severe impacts. These results demonstrate the necessity of tailored, ecosystem-based, and adaptive aquaculture management practices that integrate local environmental conditions when promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. Future research should focus on integrating biodiversity as a response variable to understand and manage the ecological impacts of aquaculture more effectively.