Aquaculture: An Alternative Option for the Rehabilitation of Old Mine Pits in the Pampasian Region, Southeast of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

The Paso de Piedra mine pit lake (Batán, Buenos Aires, Argentina) was used to assess the potential conversion of a relict site into a productive aquaculture experience. The water quality and the productivity of its waters were determined in a baseline study of physicochemical and biological characteristics, including phytoplankton and zooplankton assemblages. This baseline study concluded that physicochemical values and nutrient concentrations were within the range for pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) optimum development; and consequently, this pond was appropriate for seeding and growth of juvenile fish. After 2 years, fish specimens with an average total length of 38.15 ± 0.22 cm, a standard length of 35.10 ± 0.15 cm, and a mean weight of 520.50 ± 0.88 g were captured using trasmallo (gill-nets). Mature breeding stage males and females were detected. Thus, it appears possible to cultivate pejerrey at this site, and that this approach could be used in the Pampasian region to transform similar mine pits from environmental liabilities into attractive, productive sites.