Tormey Reimer1,2, Catriona Macleod1,2, Scott Hadley1, Karen Wild-Allen3, Karen Alexander2,4
1 Fisheries & Aquauculture, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, TAS, Australia
2 Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, TAS, Australia
3 Oceans & Cryosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, TAS, Australia
4 International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot Watt University, UK
Integrated Multi-Triphic Aquaculture (IMTA) involves the cultivation of one or more extractive species near a fed species . In South-East Tasmania, several native species of macroalgae have been identified as having the potential to remediate nutrient inputs as waste from the salmon industry in an IMTA scheme . A macroalgae growth model has here been adapted to provide more accurate predictions and better inform stakeholders planning for an IMTA future . The model represents three native kelp species: Macrocystis pyrifera, Ecklonia radiata and Lessonia corrugata. It has been calibrated with field data from recent farming trials. Updated water attenuation and temperature limitation functions have also been added, providing a more realistic estimation of growth conditions in a farm setting. Results of the calibration will be presented along with an exploration of the differing remediation potential of the three species on a large scale given nutrient inputs from both natural and anthropogenic sources. While the model is intended for optimising nutrient remediation, future applications include maximising biomass production potential and planning for the effect of climate change on a future kelp industry