Physical carrying capacity of a potential aquaculture site in the Mediterranean: the case of Sigacik Bay, Turkey.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate physical carrying capacity of a potential cage aquaculture site near a Cittaslow area in the northern part of the Mediterranean (Sigacik Bay, Turkey). Developing tools for timely management of marine aquaculture facilities are important to minimize harmful influences of fish farming. The physical carrying capacity was estimated by mathematical formulations previously developed for the same area, using data of topographical characteristics of the site, production capacities, and leased area information of fish farms in total. Based on the findings of the present study, estimated physical carrying capacity of the potential aquaculture site with a total area of 38.9 ha near the Cittaslow residential area of "Sigacik Bay" was found as 27,694 tons of fish production which is more than 2-fold of the present production level that is around 11,800 tons in the area. Therefore, it might be concluded from a physical point of view that the production level of the present cage farms in Sigacik Bay is below risk levels.