Managing the rearing of Tapes philippinarum in the lagoon of Venice: a decision support system

The paper illustrates a multicriteria approach for the rational choice of the areas to be dedicated to extensive aquaculture in a coastal basin. Areas are selected by combining spatial information, such as healthiness and depth, with the results of a 3D model, which simulates the dynamics of the primary production and that of the species to be reared. The approach has been applied to the rearing of the bivalve Tapes philippinarum in the lagoon of Venice. The areas more suitable for rearing activities have been identified, and the relation between yield and seeding density is discussed.