Aquaculture is practiced in all types of existing aquatic environments, from marsh ponds and estuaries to rivers, lakes and the sea. In the Southwest of Spain, aquaculture activity is mainly located in natural earthen ponds, using the existing “salinas” after a necessary adaptation for fish production. As occurs with the marine environment, it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the land‐based ecosystems in which the aquaculture production process is to be developed. In addition, it is essential to know the physiological characteristics of the cultured species under these environments in order to promote a responsible and sustainable aquaculture activity.
This course will cover different aspects of the aquaculture activity in marsh ponds, focusing on the differential characteristics in these environments, the ecological impacts, and the physiological and welfare issues of the cultured species (nutrition, stress, immunology, osmoregulation, etc.).