Article by: Nur Hidayahanum Hamid

Source: University of Melbourne

Aquaculture, while often criticized for its role in biodiversity and habitat degradation, can yield substantial ecological advantages when practiced sustainably. A study from the University of Melbourne, featured in *Conservation Biology*, outlines 12 potential benefits of aquaculture, such as species recovery, habitat restoration, and the mitigation of excess nutrients. For instance, cultivating seaweed and shellfish can enhance water quality by curbing harmful algal blooms. Initiatives by organizations like The Nature Conservancy leverage aquaculture to rehabilitate degraded marine ecosystems, including shellfish reefs that bolster marine biodiversity and improve water conditions.

Moreover, aquaculture plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species, with initiatives aimed at reintroducing fish such as the white sturgeon in North America and the Macquarie perch in Australia into their natural habitats. It also alleviates the pressure on wild populations by offering farmed alternatives for aquarium species. Nonetheless, researchers emphasize the necessity of employing measurable indicators to prevent "greenwashing," ensuring that the purported ecological benefits are authentic and not overshadowed by adverse effects. As aquaculture expands, there exists an opportunity to learn from the environmental missteps of terrestrial agriculture and utilize it as a means to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

Picture 1: The 12 ecologically beneficial outcomes can be achieved through aquaculture. A particular aquaculture activity may deliver several of these outcomes at once. (Source: Overton et al., 2023)

Picture 2: An underwater perspective of oyster lines reveals that aquaculture can be utilized to support species recovery, restore habitats, remediate the environment, and enhance coastal defense (Photo credit:Grant Stentiford)

Date of Input: 15/08/2024 | Updated: 15/08/2024 | hidayahanum