A partnership between local entities and the Blue Forest Project has marked a significant step forward in regenerative aquaculture, with the recent installation of ropes for a mussel and seaweed farm off the coast of North Devon. This initiative, spearheaded by Lundy Puffin in collaboration with the aquaculture company Algapelago, aims to enhance marine biodiversity and improve water quality through innovative farming practices.
Recent research conducted by the sustainability consultancy Tunely Environmental, alongside Algapelago, highlights the dual benefits of cultivating sugar kelp in tandem with blue mussels. Described as a promising method of regenerative aquaculture, this approach not only produces food but also contributes substantially to climate action by aiding in carbon capture and the restoration of marine biodiversity. Nora von Xylander, a marine biodiversity specialist at Tunely Environmental and an author of the report, noted, “These production systems not only produce food for human consumption, they also contribute to the health of marine ecosystems.”
The findings draw on successful models from Scandinavia and France, where similar polyculture systems have shown enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For instance, Norway's marine farms have been grappling with excess waste from mussel cultivation; researchers are now examining the potential of pairing mussels with seaweed, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem where mussels clean the water and seaweed absorbs nutrients vital for their growth.
At the heart of this initiative, the Blue Forest project currently spans 5 hectares and is permitted for future expansion up to 116 hectares. Once fully realised, it is projected to remove approximately 23 tons of nitrogen, 1 ton of phosphate, and 283 tons of carbon dioxide from the surrounding waters yearly. Such ambitious goals are not merely theoretical; underwater cameras have captured compelling evidence of marine life returning to previously degraded seabeds, an indicator of the project's environmental impact. “There’s more marine life than there used to be,” von Xylander shared, emphasizing the cultural significance of this restoration alongside its scientific merits.
Beyond the ecological advantages, the project aims to reconnect local communities with maritime traditions that have faded over time. von Xylander pointed out the cultural value of restoring skills and knowledge associated with traditional sea farming practices, stating, “People forget that England is an island. There’s cultural value in bringing back this kind of knowledge and involving local communities.”
However, the economic viability of regenerative aquaculture remains a fundamental hurdle. Increasing public awareness of the nutritional benefits of seaweed is pivotal, as its role in global diets expands beyond its traditional use in sushi and Asian cuisine. Von Xylander remarked, “Seaweed is a superfood,” signalling an encouraging trend towards integrating it into UK and European diets.
Despite the optimism surrounding these initiatives, challenges persist. The need for funding to scale operations is pressing. Algapelago currently operates on a modest five-hectare area, yet it has plans to expand significantly. “To go large-scale, you need more funds,” von Xylander emphasised, highlighting the necessity for investment in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Thoughtful site and species selection are crucial to the project’s potential success. Von Xylander warned that misplacing a farm could lead to negative ecological consequences; thus, a thorough understanding of local ecosystems is essential. The project utilises native species, tailored specifically to the coastline of North Devon. She added that expanding regenerative aquaculture across Europe will require context-specific strategies to avoid introducing incompatible species, underscoring the importance of cultural and ecological knowledge in marine farming.
The research has illuminated a path for expansion beyond the UK, particularly in Southern Europe, where countries like Italy, Portugal, and Spain are exploring regenerative aquaculture solutions suited to their unique coastal conditions. This trend offers a glimmer of hope in addressing the biodiversity crisis, which has largely overshadowed marine concerns until now. Von Xylander remarked, “A big aspect of our biodiversity crisis has focused on land, but as a marine scientist, it’s encouraging to see more initiatives at sea. If we do it right, it can lead to real change.”
This move towards integrating ecological restoration with sustainable food production may herald a new era in marine farming, one that fosters both environmental and community revitalisation.
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Source: Noah Wire Services