Natural Food Web in Farm Scale Models in Fish Aquaculture

Abstract

Bacteria and phytoplankton play an essential role in processing organic and inorganic waste nutrients, making the nutrients reutilized by higher trophic levels in an aquatic food web. Understanding the complex interaction between the microbial food web, nutrients, and cultured animals is crucial to achieving optimum production while minimizing the negative impact of aquaculture production on the environment. Mathematical models have been known as a research tool to conceptualize real systems, beneficial as management and decision-support tools, and addressing predictive, exploratory, or normative questions. This study is a narrative review of 29 models published from 1984 to 2024 focusing on aquaculture production, particularly the dynamics of microorganisms in fish ponds and their influence on nutrient dynamics and fish growth performance. This study is structured to address several questions: What are the different nutrient inputs considered in farm scale models (FSMs)? What microorganisms are often included in FSMs? How to determine food web dynamics? How are the food web dynamics related to nutrient dynamics and fish growth dynamics? The application of food web dynamics in determining carrying capacity and feed formulation is discussed. Finally, this review discusses the importance of stoichiometry, the limitations of current knowledge, and important considerations for developing or selecting models that are suitable for intended users.