Project
Quantifying net-pen aquaculture effects on eutrophication, wild fish movement and diet
The rainbow trout net-pen aquaculture industry in Georgian Bay is a significant contributor to the region\\\'s economy, generating an estimated $30 million annually. However, proposed expansions in Lakes Huron and Superior, primarily in First Nations Territories, may lead to a two to threefold increase in farmed trout output over the next decade. This potential growth raises concerns for lake managers, as increased production could push ecosystems toward eutrophication, jeopardizing ecosystem function. Nevertheless, studies indicate that rainbow trout net pens might serve as subsidies to local food webs, boosting wild fish production, particularly in nutrient-poor systems. To ensure the sustainable development of net-pen aquaculture, understanding the balance is crucial. The proposed multidisciplinary approach aims to assess both negative and positive impacts on the local ecosystem. Initially, the project will determine the extent to which net pen operations contribute to nutrient loading and eutrophication in Georgian Bay. Subsequently, it will investigate whether net pens function as \\\'birdfeeders\\\' in the Great Lakes, attracting and influencing the movement and feeding behavior of local wild fish, such as lake trout and lake whitefish. These species were chosen for their economic and cultural significance, representing distinct and potentially impacted energy pathways. By testing hypotheses related to fish farm inputs enhancing wild fish growth, the project aims to establish mechanistic relationships and provide baseline data, enabling informed decisions by lake managers regarding aquaculture expansion in the Great Lakes.