Restorative Bivalve Aquaculture Offers New Hope for Climate and Coastal Ecosystems

Member of the Environment Institute, Dr Alice Jones is reshaping how we understand the role of sustainable food production in tackling climate change.

In her latest research, Dr Jones and her team explore the potential of bivalve aquaculture, the farming of shellfish such as oysters and mussels, as a regenerative solution that can support blue carbon ecosystems and deliver both ecological and climate benefits. 

While currently a small sector, bivalve aquaculture is gaining traction. There are an estimated 51,040 algae-fed or unfed bivalve farms across 42 countries, primarily located in Southeast Asia, particularly China. With the growing demand for “blue foods”, marine-based foods that deliver both nutrition and environmental co-benefits, this sector is likely to increase production globally.

In the recently published paper, the research underscores the urgent need to shift away from food production systems that harm biodiversity and accelerate climate change. Instead, they advocate for regenerative farming approaches that deliver not only nutritional benefits but also ecological gains

These ecosystems, including seagrasses, mangroves, and tidal marshes, are vital to the planet’s carbon storage and ocean health. They also highlight the risks of environmental greenhouse gas emissions, if farms are poorly managed. However, many of these negative effects can be mitigated or possibly eliminated through better practices and thoughtful industry design.

The findings show that, when designed responsibly, restorative bivalve aquaculture can support carbon cycling, help protect marine habitats, and contribute to broader climate mitigation efforts.

Further research and monitoring are essential, especially in understudied habitats like tidal marshes and macroalgal beds. Priority areas include understanding impacts on nutrient cycling and reducing eutrophication, this is a process where excess nutrients trigger algal blooms that deplete oxygen and damage marine life.

With coastal ecosystems under increasing pressure from climate change and human activity, bivalve aquaculture could play a pivotal role in conserving and repairing blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs), while also feeding the world more sustainably.

This work highlights how innovation in food systems can be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, and why protecting and restoring our coastal ecosystems should be a priority.

Click here to read the full study.