International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 275-284 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 277 Figure 1 Reported examples of habitat value provided by bivalve and seaweed aquaculture, including (A) gear providing substrate for fouling organisms that provide forage resources for fish (subtidal oyster cage within Long Island Sound, USA), (B) structured habitat for fish reproduction (subtidal oyster cage within Long Island Sound, USA), (C) refuge habitat for juvenile fish (giant clam grow-out cage within Nikko Bay, Palau) and (D) resting habitat for fish and invertebrates (subtidal raft culture for seaweed in Turneffe Atoll, Belize) (Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries and The Nature Conservancyhot) 3.1.3 Protecting endangered species Conservation aquaculture has been identified as a valuable tool for the recovery of endangered marine species. For example, the cultivation of Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) has been strategically planned to promote their recovery along the west coast of North America. This approach not only supports the species' population growth but also enhances genetic diversity and resilience to environmental changes (Ridlon et al., 2021). By focusing on the recovery of endangered species, shellfish aquaculture contributes to the broader goal of biodiversity conservation. 3.2 Enhancing coastal resilience Shellfish aquaculture can enhance coastal resilience by stabilizing sediments and reducing erosion. The physical structures created by shellfish farms, such as oyster reefs, can act as natural barriers that protect shorelines from wave action and storm surges. This stabilization effect is crucial for maintaining the integrity of coastal habitats and preventing land loss (McAfee et al., 2022). Additionally, the presence of shellfish can improve water quality by filtering out excess nutrients and pollutants, which further supports the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems (Clements and Comeau, 2019). Through the synergistic restoration of oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and kelp forests, these habitats collectively reduce hydrodynamic energy and stabilize sediments, thereby enhancing the coastal region's ability to withstand environmental pressures such as erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise. Multi-habitat restoration can significantly improve the overall stability and functionality of ecosystems, making it an important strategy for enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems (Figure 2).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==