Global principles for restorative aquaculture to foster aquaculture practices that benefit the environment

Abstract

The magnitude of negative environmental impacts generated by food production means it is now imperative we develop food systems in a way that can actively support the recovery of degraded ecosystems, while also meeting increasing demands for food and livelihoods. Aquaculture, when it utilizes the right practices and species and occurs in the right places, can strike this balance, enabling food production that supports the health of aquatic ecosystems. To ensure the efficacy of this approach, however, a clear, common understanding of the ways in which this industry can achieve this outcome is needed. This paper highlights a definition of “restorative aquaculture”, identifies global principles for the use and development of restorative practices, and identifies needs for information, data, and tools that, if addressed, would greatly expand our understanding of the ways in which aquaculture and restorative activities can have positive environmental outcomes. This guidance was developed by a working group of representatives from global aquaculture, environment, economic and academic organizations. It can assist industry and government in making decisions about sustainability as well as restoration and rehabilitation strategies that intersect with aquaculture.

Supply Chain-Based Coral Conservation: The Case of Mozuku Seaweed Farming in Onna Village, Okinawa

“…The Nature Conservancy first developed the principles of restorative aquaculture in 2021 (Table 1). Alleway et al [28] added the data availability in recognition of the fact that the benefit of restorative aquaculture is largely influenced by data, showing the context in which the benefit is generated.…”

“…The greatest amount of knowledge exists about the environmental benefits of bivalve and seaweed farming in the ocean, including improving water quality, providing habitat, and mitigating climate change [28]. However, given that seaweed farming is still only practiced in small areas around the world, and that seaweed species vary by region, its true environmental benefits are still unknown.…”

“…In addition to sole restorative aquaculture practice, the Nature Conservancy [24] points out that commercial restorative aquaculture can offer "market-based solutions" (p. 11) to ocean health. Given the rapid increase in aquaculture over a short period, and the even shorter period for seaweed expansion, it is very important to share not only the concept of sustainability but also its specific sustainable techniques of seaweed production [28], processing, and distribution. Furthermore, it is even important that the seaweed supply chain including consumers comprehend the concept and the challenges and contribute back to restorative seaweed farming.…”

“…Table 1. The definition of restorative aquaculture by the Nature Conservancy [24] and Alleway et al [28].…”

Transforming sustainable aquaculture by applying circularity principles

“…Ecosystem services of marine aquaculture systems are also well documented, especially those provided by extractive marine species 63,64 such as nutrient removal by bivalves or seaweed 65,66 . Based on these ecological benefits, extractive aquaculture has been recommended as a way to restore natural ecosystems (i.e., restorative aquaculture 67 ) and could generate net positive environmental results. The shift from protecting to restoring and regenerating ecosystems may require new aquaculture business models that are better suited for creating additional monetary or non‐monetary value from the ecosystem services provided and consumed by aquaculture systems.…”