The effect of seawater physical parameters in bivalve farming: could systematic monitoring and early warning prevent negative impacts? A review focused on Vistonikos Gulf, North Aegean Sea

Mussel farming in the Vistonikos Gulf (North Aegean Sea) constitutes an activity of high socioeconomic importance. The wider Vistonikos Gulf area consists of three basins (Porto Lagos Lagoon, Vistonikos Bay, and Vistonida Lake) rich in organic material. Oceanographic features, sea currents, meteorological and climatic conditions, and primary productivity of the wider Vistonikos Gulf marine area favour bivalve farming establishment. However, secondary factors associated with climate change may negatively affect these farming establishments. In the present study, historical oceanographic and meteorological data associated with the bivalve's biology and culture is reviewed. The Vistonikos Gulf demonstrates a suitable area for mussels and other bivalves' maintenance and aquaculture development. However, occasional restrictions imposed to mussel farm units in the past are related to meteorological extremes. Thus, monitoring seawater physicochemical properties within farming units may prevent harmful effects (e.g., mortality, heat and oxidative stress) through the establishment of an early warning system indicating the translocation or harvest of the reared bivalves.