International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 275-284 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 281 6.2 Innovative farming practices Innovative farming practices are crucial for enhancing the ecological benefits of shellfish aquaculture. Techniques such as suspended or elevated mussel and oyster culture have been associated with significant increases in wild macrofaunal abundance and species richness, thereby providing structured habitats and food resources for various marine species (Theuerkauf et al., 2021). Additionally, the integration of aquaculture-based enhancement with habitat enhancement offers a remarkable opportunity for future research and development. This approach involves using quantitative tools and pilot-scale enhancement scenarios to evaluate and optimize release strategies before full implementation, ensuring that aquaculture practices contribute positively to ecosystem services (Taylor et al., 2017). Furthermore, the nitrogen removal potential of different shellfish farming methods has been studied, revealing that suspended mussel culture provides the greatest nitrogen removal per hectare, thereby mitigating nutrient pollution in coastal waters. 6.3 Monitoring and adaptive management Effective monitoring and adaptive management are essential components of successful shellfish aquaculture for restoration. The development of a scientific framework for conservation aquaculture, as demonstrated in the case of Olympia oyster restoration in central California, highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and data-driven decision-making. This framework involves tracking the growth and survivorship of hatchery-raised juveniles, assessing natural recruitment limitations, and deploying outplanted oysters in optimal intertidal zones to maximize survival and reproductive success (Wasson et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of social and economic studies to evaluate the outcomes of aquaculture-based enhancement projects ensures that these initiatives are not only ecologically beneficial but also socially and economically viable (Taylor et al., 2017). By continuously adapting management practices based on monitoring data, shellfish aquaculture can effectively contribute to the restoration and sustainability of coastal habitats. 7 Applications Beyond Habitat Restoration 7.1 Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is a sustainable aquaculture practice that involves the co-cultivation of species from different trophic levels within the same system. This method aims to enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of aquaculture by utilizing the waste products of one species as inputs for another, thereby reducing environmental impacts and improving resource efficiency. IMTA has shown promise in various settings. For instance, the Regional Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (RIMTA) model proposes spatially separated but ecologically linked cultures of low and high trophic level species within the same water body. This approach can sequester dissolved waste and support primary production, fostering a circular economy and enhancing ecosystem services (Sanz-Lázaro and Sanchez‐Jerez, 2020). Offshore IMTA is another innovative application, which can reduce pressure on nearshore ecosystems and provide alternative income options for coastal communities by transforming waste products into valuable co-products (Buck et al., 2018). Laboratory-scale studies have demonstrated the feasibility of co-culturing species such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers, which can significantly reduce organic waste and provide added value in the form of biomass (Grosso et al., 2020). Additionally, the functional response of filter feeders like mussels to varying food sources can inform the optimal placement of shellfish cultures, further enhancing the efficiency of IMTA systems (Montalto et al., 2017). In brackish water ponds, IMTA has been shown to outperform conventional polyculture in terms of environmental remediation, productivity, and economic return. The integration of species such as mullets, shrimp, and oysters can improve water quality and nutrient cycling, leading to more sustainable aquaculture practices (Biswas et al., 2020). The large-scale implementation of IMTA in regions like Sanggou Bay, China, has also provided valuable insights into the interactions between biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functions, highlighting the potential of IMTA to support large-scale seafood production (Fang et al., 2016).
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