Algae and shellfish aquaculture can help regenerate marine environments. These productions, unlike other forms of fish farming-such as salmon, for example-have almost no ecological footprint and can contribute to the regeneration of marine ecosystems. Assuaging at the same time the need to foster food production (protein, in particular) and economic development at coastal communities across the planet. Research published in PLOS ONE identifies the most vocated marine areas. (1)
Aquaculture that is good for the seas
The research – the result of collaboration between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, USA), University of Adelaide (Australia) and the international organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC)-identifies major regions on the planet where seaweed and shellfish aquaculture is already producing or has the potential to produce positive outcomes, for the environment and communities.
The work is based on TNC’s previous studies of the ecosystem benefits of seaweed and shellfish aquaculture. Primarily, the reduction of nutrient pollution and the provision of clean habitats for fish stocks.
The identification of the most suitable marine areas uses key environmental (nutrient pollution status) and socioeconomic (quality of governance) factors as indicators. In addition to factors relevant to human health (wastewater treatment).
Areas suitable for restorative aquaculture.
‘Riparian’ aquaculture of algae and/or shellfish is a valuable opportunity for many coastal communities. With the potential, in some regions, to bring benefits that researchers consider exceptional. However, these opportunities are still untapped in many of the identified areas.
The regions with the greatest opportunities for seaweed cultivation are in Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Those most suitable for shellfish farming are in Oceania, North America and parts of Asia.
The North Sea-significantly polluted with nutrients and subject to drastic depletion of fish stocks-is one of the areas that can benefit most from the development of algae and shellfish farms.
The East China Sea-identified as one of the most suitable areas-already hosts intense aquaculture activity in the aforementioned areas. Because of this, researchers find it useful to evaluate their practices, with the goal of improving their ecological benefits.
Notes
(1) Theuerkauf SJ, Morris JA Jr, Waters TJ, Wickliffe LC, Alleway HK, Jones RC (2019) A global spatial analysis reveals where marine aquaculture can benefit nature and people PLoS ONE 14 (10): e0222282. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222282
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".