The Influence of Climatic-oceanographic Changes in Aquaculture. A Case Review Concerning Mussel Farming from Vistonikos Bay, Greece

Mussel farming in Vistonikos Bay, North Aegean, constitutes an activity of high socio-economic importance. The wide area consists of three basins rich in organic material, namely Porto Lagos Lagoon, Vistonicos Gulf and Vistonida lake. Oceanographic morphology, sea currents, meteorological and climatic conditions, as well as the primary productivity of the wide marine area of Vistonikos Bay, favor mussel farming development but sometimes may affect them harmfully. In the present review, historical oceanographic and meteorological data are discussed, including seawater temperature, air temperature, monthly rainfall and wind dynamics, in an aquaculture related point of view. Supporting evidence revealed that occasional restrictions imposed to mussel farm units in the past are related to climatic factor extremes. However, overall, Vistonikos Bay demonstrates a suitable area for maintenance and further development of aquaculture of mussels and other bivalves.