The composite trophic status index (TRIX) as a potential tool for the regulation of Turkish marine aquaculture as applied to the eastern Aegean coast (Izmir Bay)

P>This research examines the current water quality status of Izmir Bay, using the trophic index (TRIX) as a tool for the regulation of Turkish marine finfish aquaculture. In 2007, new legislation was enacted in Turkey related to the protection of coastal waters, especially those of enclosed bays and gulfs, from pollution by fish farming. However, the legislation does not apply to any other coastal zone stakeholders; for this reason the entire Izmir Bay was examined. Use of the composite trophic status index (TRIX) produced mean TRIX values of 3.6 for the aquaculture area (AA) and 2.5 for areas of the outer bay where no aquaculture takes place; this indicates 'no risk of eutrophication' as defined by Turkish law. In the inner Izmir Bay, there is a mean TRIX value of 4.3, which is above the threshold of four and typical for 'high eutrophication risk' areas, as expected because of heavy urbanization. The study then applied the UNTRIX indices adjusted to local conditions, revealing that both the inner bay and the aquaculture area (AA) can be classified as of 'poor' status whereas the outer bay can be defined as 'good'. The UNTRIX-based trophic classification is in good agreement with TRIX for both the outer and inner parts of the bay; however, there is no agreement regarding the classification of the aquaculture area

Assessment of organotin (butyltin species) contamination in marine biota from the Eastern Aegean Sea, Turkey

The marine environment continues to be adversely affected by tributyltin (TBT) release from maritime traffic. Therefore the concentrations of TBT, dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) were measured in barnacles, mussels and fish along the Eastern Aegean coastline. The average concentrations of TBT ng Sn g(-1) were found to be 235 in fish, 116 in mussels and 635 in barnacles. The highest concentrations of TBT, DBT and MBT were observed in the barnacles which had been sampled in marinas and harbors. All mussels sampled showed values of TBT + DBT, which were below the "tolerable average residue level (TARL)" as currently accepted. This indicates a lack of risk to the consumer. However, 7 out of the 15 fish sampled displayed TBT + DBT levels above the TARL, which indicates that a fish consumer group may be at risk. Barnacles have high potential as biomonitors for the presence of organotin in the Aegean Sea. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved