STUDIES OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALGAE AND QUALITY OF POND-REARED FISH

This paper synthesizes current knowledge on the relationship between algal dynamics and the quality of pond reared fish in Romanian earthen cyprinid polyculture systems. Earthen pond aquaculture in Romania typically relies on natural productivity (plankton/algae) augmented by fertilization and supplementary feeding. In this case, the algal component plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling, oxygen production, food chain support, and the physical/chemical pond environment. This paper explores: (i) algal growth patterns under varying stocking structures in ponds, (ii) their influence on water quality parameters (nutrients, oxygen, turbidity), and (iii) downstream effects on fish growth, health, and flesh quality. Evidence from Romanian field studies shows that higher chlorophyll a, including cyanobacterial components, corresponds to diurnal fluctuations in nutrient concentrations and turbidity in polyculture ponds. These studies identify knowledge gaps, particularly quantifying how specific algal communities influence fish performance in different stocking densities, and propose future research directions aimed at optimizing algae based natural productivity for sustainable pond aquaculture in the country.