The following publication is now available. Abstract is below. We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Ecological Modelling. Article title: Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model Bruno Diaz Lopez, Mandy Bunke, Julia Andrea Bernal Shirai The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI, Via Diaz 4, Golfo Aranci 07020, Italy. Ecological Modelling DOI information: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.10.028 Abstract: Marine aquaculture is an important growing worldwide industry. An ecosystem approach to study the effects of aquaculture on the Aranci Bay (Sardinia, Italy) was implemented by using a trophic mass-balance model in order to estimate the potential effects of finfish aquaculture and, therefore, to identify the species playing a key-role in ecosystem. Additionally, this study was used to evaluate the conflict between top predators and aquaculture. Mass balance models were built using Ecopath software to characterize and compare the present state of the ecosystem versus a reconstructed past model representing the bay before the start of aquaculture activities. This modelling approach to the study of the fish farm activities in Aranci Bay has shown its appropriateness to describe the modifications induced, at an ecosystem level, by the nutrient loading into the area. Increased nutrient loading into the fish farm area may result in greater biological activity and may induce a strong coupling between the pelagic and benthic subsystems. Based on the results, the possible effect of top predators in the fish farm activities is not substantial. Furthermore, the use of mass-balance models can provide important additional information, complementary to the normal environmental assessment impact studies, before starting fish farm activities in an area. We are pleased to inform you that our article is now available online via the following DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.10.028 or send requests to: bruno@thebdri.com, soon a copy will be available in our website www.thebdri.com Bruno Díaz López Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist Chief Researcher The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy http://www.thebdri.com info@thebdri.com Tel: + (39) 346 0815414