A model for optimization of the productivity and bioremediation efficiency of marine integrated multitrophic aquaculture

Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) has been proposed as a solution to nutrient enrichment generated by intensive fish mariculture. In order to evaluate the potential of IMTA as a nutrient bioremediation method it is essential to know the ratio of fed to extractive organisms required for the removal of a given proportion of the waste nutrients. This ratio depends on the species that compose the IMTA system, on the environmental conditions and on production practices at a target site. Due to the complexity of IMTA the development of a model is essential for designing efficient IMTA systems. In this study, a generic nutrient flux model for IMTA was developed and used to assess the potential of IMTA as a method for nutrient bioremediation. A baseline simulation consisting of three growth models for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and for the macroalgae Ulva sp. is described. The three growth models interact with each other and with their surrounding environment and they are all linked via processes that affect the release and assimilation of particulate organic nitrogen (PON) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). The model forcing functions are environmental parameters with temporal variations that enables investigation of the understanding of interactions among IMTA components and of the effect of environmental parameters. The baseline simulation has been developed for marine species in a virtually closed system in which hydrodynamic influences on the system are not considered. The model can be used as a predictive tool for comparing the nitrogen bioremediation efficiency of IMTA systems under different environmental conditions (temperature, irradiance and ambient nutrient concentration) and production practices, for example seaweed harvesting frequency, seaweed culture depth, nitrogen content of feed and others, or of IMTA systems with varying combinations of cultured species and can be extended to open water IMTA once coupled with waste distribution models

Investigation of a novel approach for aquaculture site selection

This study investigated the potential use of two “species distribution models” (SDMs), Mahalanobis Typicality and Maxent, for aquaculture site selection. SDMs are used in ecological studies to predict the spatial distribution of species based on analysis of conditions at locations of known presence or absence. Here the input points are aquaculture sites, rather than species occurrence, thus the models evaluate the parameters at the sites and identify similar areas across the rest of the study area. This is a novel approach that avoids the need for data reclassification and weighting which can be a source of conflict and uncertainty within the commonly used multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) technique. Using pangasius culture in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, as a case study, Mahalanobis Typicality and Maxent SDMs were evaluated against two models developed using the MCE approach. Mahalanobis Typicality and Maxent assess suitability based on similarity to existing farms, while the MCE approach assesses suitability using optimal values for culture. Mahalanobis Typicality considers the variables to have equal importance whereas Maxent analyses the variables to determine those which influence the distribution of the input data. All of the models indicate there are suitable areas for culture along the two main channels of the Mekong River which are currently used to farm pangasius and also inland in the north and east of the study area. The results show the Mahalanobis Typicality model had more high scoring areas and greater overall similarity than Maxent to the MCE outputs, suggesting, for this case study, it was the most appropriate SDM for aquaculture site selection. With suitable input data, a combined SDM and MCE model would overcome limitations of the individual approaches, allowing more robust planning and management decisions for aquaculture, other stakeholders and the environment

Modelling seasonal nutrient inputs from non-point sources across large catchments of importance to aquaculture

Accumulation of nutrients in aquatic systems can have negative impacts on water quality, which can then affect the performance and impact of an aquaculture system. Non-point sources (NPS) and runoff from different land use practices are a major contributor of nutrients to the aquatic environment. However, NPS loading is difficult to identify, and monitoring schemes are often insufficient, particularly across large areas. Aquaculture production areas often extend across large catchments, basins and deltas and knowledge of where there could potentially be higher nutrient loads in the environment would be advantageous to inform strategic site selection and management decisions. This study developed seasonal models within a Geographic Information system (GIS) that can be applied to large catchments of importance to aquaculture to identify areas at risk of nutrient loading from NPS which should be prioritized by monitoring schemes. The models were applied to case study areas in Bangladesh, China, Thailand and Vietnam. The results of the individual models reveal changes in the spatial distribution of priority areas depending on the nutrient (nitrogen or phosphorus) and season. The modelling approach presented here has the advantage that it can be applied to large areas without the need for complex data sets. The model and outputs can also be used to assess impacts of land use and land use change on aquaculture, determine site suitability, establish zones, inform carrying capacity studies and identify potential production and disease risks

School trip photomarathons: engaging primary school visitors using a topic focused photo competition

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of photomarathons as a fun and engaging way to support students making connections between what they learn during a museum visit and what they learn in school or other contexts. Sixty primary school pupils aged between six and eleven took part in a photomarathon activity during their trip to the Roman Baths. The children were split into three groups. During their visit each group undertook three one-hour activities, namely: a photomarathon, a hands-on artefact exploration activity with a museum education officer, and a school-group handheld audio tour. For the photomarathon activity the children worked in subgroups of three and, for 15–20 minutes, took photos on three themes around the museum. At the end of the available time the children submitted a set of photos, one photo for each theme. Photo galleries for each theme were then generated and made available on a website for the pupils. The students voted for the best photo in each theme gallery, and a small prize was awarded to the members of each team that took the winning photo. A week after the visit the children were asked a number of questions concerning their visit. The photomarathon was spontaneously mentioned by 41% (23/56) of the children as the best activity in their visit to the Roman Baths, which was more than any other activity they engaged in during the visit. Overall, of the three activities the children liked the photomarathon the best. There were no age differences in how engaging the children found the photomarathon activity and all children regardless of age were able to take photographs

Australian mental health consumers' contributions to the evaluation and improvement of recovery-oriented service provision

Background: one key component of recovery-oriented mental health services, typically overlooked, involves genuine collaboration between researchers and consumers to evaluate and improve services delivered within a recovery framework. Method: Eighteen mental health consumers working with staff who had received training in the Collaborative recovery Model (CrM) took part in in-depth focus group meetings, of approximately 2.5 hours each, to generate feedback to guide improvement of the CrM and its use in mental health services. Results: Consumers identified clear avenues for improvement for the CrM both specific to the model and broadly applicable to recovery-oriented service provision. Findings suggest consumers want to be more engaged and empowered in the use of the CrM from the outset. Limitations: improved sampling procedures may have led to the identification of additional dissatisfied consumers. Conclusions: Collaboration with mental health consumers in the evaluation and improvement of recovery-oriented practice is crucial with an emphasis on rebuilding mental health services that are genuinely oriented to support recovery

Increasing the effectiveness of coach education: evidence of a parallel process

The purpose of this study was to use the results of an exploratory case study to discuss the design and delivery of formal coach education pathways. Nine coaches completed qualitative and quantitative feedback on a formal transformational leadership training program. The theme that was consistently being presented by coaches was the need for learning to be situated within practical demonstrations and discussions where the coach learner and coach educator work collaboratively to facilitate understanding of the applications of program content to coaching practice. These results have been discussed in the light of the parallel processes that are evident in coach education. The relationship dynamics between athlete and coach are paralleled in the relationship between coach learner and coach educator. Formalising the parallel process in coach education is put forward as a conceptually sound approach to facilitate reflection in coaching practitioners through the use of practical demonstrations

Cage aquaculture in Lake Volta, Ghana. Guidelines for a sustainable future

This book describes the approach, work undertaken and key outcomes of a three-year project which commenced in December 2012. The project was based on collaboration between the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, UK, and the CSIR Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana. It was funded by the Leverhulme Foundation through a Royal Society Africa Grant.  Our key objective was to build capacity in environmental monitoring and assessment in partner organisations and, from the work carried out, to formulate a plan for improved and sustainable cage aquaculture on Lake Volta, so contributing to the developing industry and assuring regional food security

Collaborative Recovery: An integrative model for working with individuals who experience chronic and recurring mental illness

Objectives: Recovery is an emerging movement in mental health. Evidence for recovery-based approaches is not well developed and approaches to implement recovery-oriented services are not well articulated. The collaborative recovery model (CRM) is presented as a model that assists clinicians to use evidencebased skills with consumers, in a manner consistent with the recovery movement. A current 5 year multisite Australian study to evaluate the effectiveness of CRM is briefly described. Conclusion: The collaborative recovery model puts into practice several aspects of policy regarding recovery-oriented services, using evidence-based practices to assist individuals who have chronic or recurring mental disorders (CRMD). It is argued that thismodel provides an integrative framework combining (i) evidence-based practice; (ii) manageable and modularized competencies relevant to case management and psychosocial rehabilitation contexts; and (iii) recognition of the subjective experiences of consumers