Sediment sulphides and redox potential associated with spatial coverage of Beggiatoa spp. at finfish aquaculture sites in Newfoundland, Canada

Abstract

This study is a description of sediment sulphide levels and redox potential associated with different values of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) coverage at stations in deep Subarctic finfish sites. Beggiatoa was not observed at reference stations and significant differences were found between geochemical parameters before aquaculture and at-harvest. Beggiatoa coverage should be considered in the light of other evidence gathered through video imaging such as benthic diversity and the presence of other visual indicators and not used as strict regulatory thresholds. © 2014 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. All rights reserved.