A University of British Columbia study reveals that growing bivalve and seaweed aquaculture could significantly cut the seafood industry’s ecological footprint, offering multiple environmental and food security advantages over traditional finfish and shrimp farming.
- Bivalves and seaweed need no fish-based feed and enhance water quality.
- Seaweed farms capture carbon and help protect coasts from erosion.
- Expanding climate-friendly aquaculture can boost biodiversity and food security.
What happened
Aquaculture production has grown rapidly, overtaking wild fisheries in 2022 with 131 million metric tons produced globally. However, most of this production centers on finfish like salmon and shrimp, which rely heavily on fishmeal and fish oil, contributing to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. The University of British Columbia study examined species biological traits and global production trends to understand the wider impacts of aquaculture choices.
The research finds that species such as bivalves (oysters, mussels) and seaweed offer climate-friendly alternatives. These species filter and clean water, require no fish-based feed, and support ecosystems. Despite this, they currently make up only a small portion of aquaculture production—19 million metric tons for mollusks and 37 million metric tons for seaweed—as market demand favors high-value, resource-intensive finfish and shrimp.
Why it feels good
By expanding bivalve and seaweed farming, the seafood industry can deliver far-reaching benefits beyond nutrition. These farms naturally improve water quality by filtering excess nutrients and pollutants, which helps reduce harmful algal blooms and restores ecosystem balance. Seaweed farms also absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Additionally, these aquaculture methods stabilize coastal sediments and reduce wave energy, helping to protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage. They create habitats that support higher fish populations compared to nearby natural areas, promoting biodiversity. Economic valuations highlight the significant ecosystem services these farms provide, potentially generating thousands of dollars in environmental and community benefits per acre annually.
What to enjoy or watch next
The study points to promising regional focuses for this climate-friendly transition: scaling shellfish farming in Europe, Africa, and Asia could improve global food security through protein-rich and nutrient-dense seafood, while expanding seaweed production in the Americas, Africa, and Asia offers substantial climate benefits. However, consumer preferences and economic incentives currently favor more profitable but less sustainable species.
Looking ahead, success will depend on carefully placing farms to avoid damaging healthy ecosystems and targeting degraded areas instead. Increasing public awareness and demand for bivalves and seaweed can help drive markets toward more sustainable seafood options. Watching how policies, consumer trends, and scientific advancements align to promote these alternatives will be key to a greener aquaculture future.