Abnormalities in finfish mariculture: An overview of the problem, causes and solutions.

Abstract

Abnormalities of shape or color and bony I body deformities whether related to lack of swimbladder or not, are still a major problem for many Mediterranean finfish sea farms. Despite their high economical consequences, they remain difficult to eliminate, due to basic gaps of knowledge about their causes and sometimes management errors in the rearing technique. After a review of abnormalities in aquaculture, the authors targeted the mechanisms of their apparition and aimed to the main gaps of knowledge and the possible solutions. Until accurate cost effective conditions for prevention are found, strategies of early assessment and sorting are recommended. The role of the EU research in these actions is emphasized.