Fluxes and Accumulation of Organic Matter Loading from Yellowtail Culture in Yashima Bay, Japan

Abstract

Vertical fluxes of particulate matter precipitating through the water column and on the surface sediment of the yellowtail culture area were caught by sediment trap monthly for 1 yr from June 1992 to May 1993. The daily fluxes of suspended particulate matter were vary from 22-27 g/m².d, The annual fluxes of organic matter, organic carbon, and organic nitrogen of newly settling materials were 1,146 g/m².yr, 284 gC/m².yr, 34 gN/m².yr, respectively which were low in winter period and elevated in late spring to summer and early autumn during the period of fish culture ( June to February ). Thus, yellowtail culture could induce the accumulation of organic matter to the sea bottom.