Assessing pollutant exposure in cultured and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the Iberian Peninsula.

The aquaculture industry is an expanding activity, mainly due to the world population demand of fish. However, intensive production and the use of chemicals have raised environmental concerns and have questioned the quality of cultured fish in comparison to wild fish. Up to date, there is little information regarding pollutant residues in cultured stocks and the risks associated to consumption. Here we summarize recent data on pollutants exposure, together with biochemical responses in both cultured and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the Iberian Peninsula. The obtained data highlights the use of chemicals in current aquaculture practices as a significant source of pollution in cultured fish that poses a risk to exposed individuals and may negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Nonetheless, a controlled use of those chemicals and a careful selection of the aquaculture location can ensure relatively low and homogeneous levels of pollutants in cultured fish in comparison to wild specimens.