Conservation Aquaculture

  • What are the social and ecological trade-offs of using aquaculture as a conservation tool for marine foundation species, and what are the responsible methods for using this approach?

This working group will assess the social and ecological trade-offs associated with using aquaculture to support the conservation of: 1) marine foundation species at the global scale, comparing the culturing of coral and oyster species for restoration worldwide, and 2) Olympia oysters at the local scale, assessing the potential for expanding aquaculture to support restoration efforts for the native oyster species on the West Coast. The team will develop tools with decision-makers, commercial growers, tribal communities, and conservation organizations that can be customized for regional use and yet are applicable to other systems.

Our Approach: The team will use a global synthesis to review and analyze aquaculture as a conservation intervention for marine foundation species, to address both human well-being and ecological uncertainty in coastal systems under climate change. Informed by the global assessment, they will combine data and expert knowledge from diverse stakeholders to develop tools to guide conservation aquaculture for Olympia oysters, integrating recommendations for the genetically responsible, ecosystem level management of the species.

This team is part of a cohort funded by the generosity of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation to address the theme of Oceans, Climate and Equity.

Team Status:

  • Completed

Goals

 

  • Global synthesis evaluating aquaculture as a conservation tool for marine foundation species, particularly in the face of a changing climate.
  • Index of Suitability for Olympia Oyster Aquaculture: a tool to identify priority sites for investing in conservation aquaculture with this species, and to provide guidance for stakeholders about socially and ecologically responsible methods.
  • Community Engagement Toolbox: a suite of customizable strategies for engaging community members in conservation aquaculture approaches for Olympia oysters.