Nutrient recovery and sludge management in seabream and grey mullet co-culture in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)

While several studies have considered the mullet as a potential candidate for co-culture with feed-fed fish underneath sea cages very little quantitative data on the ability of mullet to remove sludge has been provided. The present study evaluated grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) performance as a detritivore and potential by-product in co-culture with seabream (Sparus aurata) in a land-based IMTA. This study gives, for the first time quantitative data, including nitrogen budget of the seabream/mullet co-culture and evaluation of the criteria for using mullet as a biofilter in land based facilities.