A recent study led by University of Melbourne researcher Kathy Overton has shed light on 12 potential ecological benefits of aquaculture that have been largely overlooked. Published in Conservation Biology, the research aims to challenge the prevailing negative perception of aquaculture by highlighting its positive applications when managed responsibly.
Aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms, has faced criticism for contributing to environmental issues such as habitat destruction and pollution. However, this study identifies key ecological benefits that can be harnessed when aquaculture is applied properly. Kathy Overton emphasized that the negative impacts of aquaculture have overshadowed its positive contributions for far too long.
Aquaculture can aid in the restoration of fish species by reintroducing farmed fish to natural habitats, supporting species recovery programs worldwide. Cultivated aquatic species can be used to restore degraded habitats, as seen in initiatives leveraging aquaculture to rebuild lost shellfish reefs.
Similar to restoration, habitat rehabilitation employs cultured organisms to partially restore ecosystems to a functional state. Aquaculture, such as mussel farms, can serve as a substrate for other organisms, protecting ecosystems from activities like trawling.
Organisms in aquaculture can break down pollutants, contributing to the cleaning of their environment in degraded areas. Selective breeding through aquaculture can enhance species’ chances of survival by developing traits like parasite resistance in response to anthropogenic stressors.
Cultured species can be introduced to control pests either through consumption or other methods, aiding in ecosystem balance. Removing overabundant species from natural habitats can benefit biodiversity while enabling the continued propagation of those species in aquaculture facilities.
Culturing species in controlled environments promotes genetic diversity and ensures the survival of species of concern. Aquaculture activities can reduce exposure to abiotic stressors, such as coastal erosion or wave attenuation, contributing to coastal defense.
Cultured aquatic creatures, like algae, can absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Culturing organisms instead of catching them in the wild can reduce pressure on wild populations, under certain conditions.
The researchers advocate for an internationally-recognized accreditation model for beneficial aquaculture to encourage the adoption of environmentally-friendly practices in the commercial aquaculture industry. By delineating these ecological benefits, the study aims to bridge the gap between aquaculture and conservation, fostering a more holistic understanding of the industry’s potential positive impacts on the environment.
Source: Lab Manager
