Title: biologist

Association/Company: Università degli Studi di Trieste

Biography
Stefano Sponza – Biologo, Dottore di Ricerca in Biologia Animale (Etologia), si occupa di eco-etologia di uccelli acquatici e marini e di aspetti gestionali in ambito costiero.
I campi di indagine riguardano l’analisi della consistenza delle popolazioni nidificanti e svernanti, l’utilizzo e la selezione dell’habitat, le strategie di foraggiamento e l’analisi dei movimenti di migrazione e di dispersione.

Speech session
Fish farming in lagoons in the Upper Adriatic Sea: tradition, support, environment, valorisation and new productions

Speech
Ecological role of lagoon fish farms in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Abstract
One of the most distinct features of the Marano – Grado Lagoon is the historical presence of the fish farms, embanked basins characterized by a strict separation from the tidal lagoon system. The Northern Adriatic hosts the Italy’s largest system of fish farms, covering over 22.000 ha. In the Friuli Venezia Giulia region it occupies about 1.700 ha. The presence of fish farms is essential for preserving the lagoon environment and several waterbird species. They actually fulfill a crucial ecological role. Unfortunately, the abandonment of fish farming depletes the distinctive habitat, having a severe impact on the presence and breeding of many bird species. From a strategic perspective, there is the urgency for a structural recovery. Moreover, active and integrated management of fish farms must be encouraged, taking into account the naturalistic component.