B6081 - Aquaculture II and Aquarium Science

Learning outcomes

The course provides fundamental knowledge on modern farming technologies for the main marine fish species reared in aquaculture (European seabass and gilthead seabream), as well as for innovative fish species of commercial interest in aquaculture. Key concepts related to aquarium structures and the management of main ornamental species will also be covered.
The mollusc farming module will address essential knowledge on crustacean culture, mussel farming, clam farming, and oyster farming, along with the relevant rearing technologies.
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the technical and scientific knowledge necessary to manage a modern marine aquaculture facility.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course in AQUACULTURE. SPECIFIC CONTENTS OF THE COURSE:

Module 1 – Prof. Luca Parma

1. Introduction to marine aquaculture (Total: 2 hours)
Course overview and syllabus, types of aquaculture systems: land-based and floating cage systems, main marine species of interest and global/EU production figures

2. Extensive farming in lagoon systems (Total: 2 hours)
Characteristics of ponds and basins used for grow-out, techniques for fish transfer (inward and outward movements), water management and traditional trap fishing methods (lavoriero)

3. Land-based intensive farming (Total: 14 hours)
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): general principles, treatment units, commercial applications, environmental parameters, filtration systems (mechanical, biological, temperature control, disinfection), system sizing and management;
Marine hatchery: general criteria and structures, location, management of broodstock and eggs, larval rearing, weaning and juvenile transport;
Land-based grow-out: site selection, farm structures and management

4. Floating cage farming (Total: 3 hours)
Site selection for marine cages: challenges and solutions, characteristics of inshore and offshore cages, grow-out methods for gilthead seabream and European seabass in sea cages

5. Farming of flatfish species (Total: 2 hours)
Farming techniques for sole and turbot: reproduction, larval rearing, grow-out

6. Farming of emerging species (Total: 1 hour)
Farming techniques for meagre, greater amberjack, and bluefin tuna

7. Crustacean farming (Total: 4 hours)
Main species reared, penaeid shrimp farming (selection, reproduction, post-larvae rearing, grow-out), freshwater crayfish farming for commercial interest

8. Practical laboratory activities (Total: 2 hours)
Hands-on management of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)

Module 2 – Prof. Elisa Benini

1. Introduction to mollusk aquaculture and global market (Total: 2 hours)
Course introduction and relevance of mollusk farming, analysis of global, European, and Italian production, main farmed species and producing countries

2. Mollusk farming facilities (Total: 2 hours)
Types of farming systems, site selection criteria, installation regulations, and assessment of suitable sites

3. Starting a farm and risk management (Total: 2 hours)
Description of an experimental farm, essential elements to start a facility (costs, permits, equipment, seed, size, personnel), business model and identification of main risks in mollusk aquaculture (including practical test)

4. Oyster farming: techniques and environmental context (Total: 4 hours)
Oyster farming techniques, site selection, structures and farming systems, harvesting and marketing; impact of climate change on spat farming and growth performance variation in response to environmental parameters (lecture by Dr. Nordio)

5. Clam farming: techniques and prospects (Total: 4 hours)
Clam farming techniques: systems, sites, pre-grow and grow-out phases; captive reproduction, weaning and future outlook; effects of climate change on local clam populations

6. Mussel farming: physiology and farming techniques (Total: 4 hours)
Mussel physiology and effects of heatwaves (lecture by Dr. De Marco), farming techniques: captive reproduction, weaning, pre-grow and grow-out phases, with insights into future perspectives

7. Field activities (Total: 4 hours)
Field trip to a hatchery and mollusk dispatch center in Goro (FE), in collaboration with NaturEdulis and FinIttica

8. Farming of cephalopods and non-bivalve mollusks (Total: 4 hours)
Farming techniques for cephalopods, gastropods, and other non-bivalve mollusks, status of fishery stocks and global production

9. Aquarium science (Total: 4 hours)
General principles of aquarium science, design and management of ornamental aquaria, water quality, species selection, organism compatibility, feeding and maintenance techniques

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for the course are available on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ).

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lectures and practical sessions/laboratory activities.
Wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear is mandatory for participation in practical and laboratory activities. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided for specific activities

Assessment methods

Assessment of Learning is divided into two parts:

Module 1 – Oral Exam
An individual interview lasting approximately 20 minutes. The result is communicated at the end of the interview. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Module 2 – Written Test and Oral Presentation
Consists of:

• A multiple-choice written test with 35 questions (60% of the final grade). The test is considered passed with at least 18 correct answers. The use of support materials or electronic devices (calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) is not allowed during the test, unless otherwise specified by the instructor.

• A 10-minute oral presentation on a topic of the student's choice (40% of the final grade).

Each module is considered passed only if the student obtains a positive result in all the required tests, with a final score of at least 18/30.

The individual test results and the final exam grade will be published on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it ) within 5 working days from the completion date of the last module.
Students have the right to reject the grade by notifying the course instructor via email within 5 working days of its publication.

The course instructor responsible for grading is Prof. Oliviero Mordenti.

Students can register for the exam sessions through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it ). Exam sessions are scheduled within the periods defined by the academic calendar. Additional sessions are reserved for students who are beyond the standard duration of the program ("fuori corso").

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, are encouraged to contact the University Office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ). The Office will propose any necessary accommodations, which must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days before the exam. The instructor will evaluate their suitability in relation to the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos, dedicated software, in-class quizzes

In case of difficulties in understanding the subject, the instructor is available to meet the student for a clarification meeting, upon appointment via email.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Parma

See the website of Elisa Benini