New £3m Project Aims to Enhance Sustainability of Mollusc Farming in Asia
The University of Southampton is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia, which is the largest producing region for oysters, mussels, and clams globally.
This research project seeks to address pressing challenges such as food security, livelihood protection, and environmental resilience in the face of climate change, disease outbreaks, and commercial pressures. Scientists will examine the adaptability of different mollusc species to the changing environmental conditions.
Asia produces approximately 20 million tonnes of molluscs annually, valued at around 29.8 billion US dollars. These shellfish play a crucial role as both a major export commodity and a primary food source for local communities in South East Asia.
The project is led by Professor Chris Hauton from the University of Southampton, who emphasizes the urgent need to assess the resilience of mollusc farming systems in light of the uncertainties posed by climate change and other environmental stressors.
One of the key concerns highlighted is the overreliance on a limited number of mollusc species for aquaculture, making the industry vulnerable to climate-related shocks, disease outbreaks, and market fluctuations as temperatures rise.
To tackle these challenges, the WAVES consortium, comprising various academic and research institutions, has secured £3 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to facilitate the transition towards more sustainable mollusc aquaculture practices.
The consortium, in collaboration with local partners in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will conduct comprehensive mapping of current mollusc production systems to understand existing practices, challenges, and potential pathways for sustainable development.
Dr. Lucy Brunton from the Royal Veterinary College underscores the importance of mapping activities and threats in mollusc farming, citing disease outbreaks, reduced productivity, and land suitability alterations as critical factors impacting food safety and livelihoods.
Furthermore, the research will focus on evaluating the tolerance of different mollusc species to environmental changes, salinity fluctuations, and disease outbreaks to build a diverse culture stock that can withstand future challenges.
By integrating this data into predictive models, researchers aim to forecast the impact of climate, economic, and policy changes on mollusc farming in Asia, guiding strategic decision-making for a sustainable future.
Dr. Andrew Desbois from the University of Stirling emphasizes the low environmental footprint of mollusc farming and the role of molluscs in enhancing water quality through filtration. Sustaining production in a changing climate is vital to ensure the availability of nutritious mollusc products for consumers worldwide.
The project also aims to demonstrate the benefits of diversifying species mix and investing in hatcheries for quality seed production to improve resilience, food safety, and nutritional value.
Ultimately, the research findings will be shared with stakeholders and policymakers in the region to facilitate a transition towards a more sustainable and equitable future for mollusc farming.
Photo credit: University of Southampton
