The Acquatina coastal basin has an extension of about 45 hectares. At South East, the basin is connected with the sea through 2 canals while at North West, the basin receives the fresh water of the natural spring Giammatteo. All canals are structured with specific devices for water management and flux control. The water chemical-physical characteristics are those typical of the Mediterranean coastal lagoons while the average depth of the basin is around 1 meter. Mullets, eels, sea-bass and sea-bream are the main fish species present. The lagoon is used for an extensive aquaculture practice, a traditional rearing method in which fish farmers use simple structures, often made by nets and wooden steaks, to catch fishes during their migration to the sea.
For experimental purposes, the university researchers have recently introduced a semi-intensive rearing system to improve the production of important marine fish species, such as sea bream and sea bass, and to exploit, in a sustainable way, the natural resources of the basin.
The environmental control is continuously assured by monitoring the main chemical and physical parameters of the water in the lagoon and in the surrounding coastal area.
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