International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 275-284 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 282 7.2 Synergies with fisheries and marine conservation The integration of shellfish aquaculture with fisheries and marine conservation efforts can create synergies that enhance both food production and ecosystem health. IMTA systems can support the sustainable exploitation of marine resources by reducing the environmental impacts of aquaculture and promoting biodiversity. For example, the strategic model for sustainable mariculture in Samanco Bay, Peru, emphasizes the need for IMTA to mitigate the negative impacts of monospecific aquaculture, such as benthic degradation and eutrophication. By adopting IMTA, private companies can achieve greater efficiency and environmental balance, which can be adapted to other regions (Loayza-Aguilar et al., 2023). In the Mediterranean Sea, IMTA and mariculture practices are being explored for their potential to support environmental restoration and conservation. These practices can be coupled with artificial reefs and offshore mussel farming to create controlled environments that enhance marine biodiversity and ecosystem services (Giangrande et al., 2021). Moreover, the use of biofloc technology in conjunction with IMTA can further improve the sustainability of aquaculture systems. Although some studies have shown that certain species, like the oyster Crassostrea gasar, may not effectively reduce suspended solids, they can still benefit from the microbial communities present in biofloc systems, contributing to the overall health and productivity of the aquaculture environment (Costa et al., 2021). The applications of shellfish aquaculture extend beyond habitat restoration to include innovative practices like IMTA and synergies with fisheries and marine conservation. These approaches can enhance the sustainability and resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems, supporting both ecological and economic goals. 8 Concluding Remarks Shellfish aquaculture has demonstrated significant ecological and economic benefits in habitat restoration and the provision of ecosystem services. Ecologically, bivalve shellfish and seaweed aquaculture can increase the abundance and species diversity of wild, mobile macrofauna, providing structured habitats and food resources that support coastal faunal communities. These ecological benefits contribute not only to habitat restoration and recovery but also offer additional advantages such as bioremediation, climate change mitigation, and coastal defense. Moreover, shellfish aquaculture plays a crucial role in the recovery of endangered species by providing a controlled environment for their growth and reintroduction into the wild. Economically, shellfish aquaculture contributes significantly to local economies by creating jobs and providing a sustainable source of seafood. Global studies indicate that strategic investments in regions with high potential for shellfish aquaculture can yield substantial economic benefits. Additionally, integrating aquaculture with habitat enhancement practices can improve fisheries productivity and deliver socioeconomic benefits to a broad range of stakeholders. The ecosystem services provided by shellfish, such as nutrient removal and habitat modification, also hold significant economic value, supporting the overall sustainability of coastal communities. Looking ahead, the development of shellfish aquaculture and coastal restoration should focus on maximizing ecological benefits while ensuring economic viability. Restorative Shellfish Mariculture (RSM) presents a promising approach by addressing socio-ecological issues through targeted interventions during the species life cycle. Future development should incorporate social, environmental, and economic factors into marine planning, supported by innovative policies, financing, and certification schemes to promote the provision of ecosystem services. This includes establishing clear and measurable indicators of success to evaluate the ecological benefits of aquaculture activities and prevent "greenwashing." Additionally, expanding hatchery capacity in key areas and incorporating local knowledge and stakeholder goals can further enhance the recovery of endangered species and support community restoration efforts. Continued research and development, particularly in the fields of aquaculture techniques, genetics, and quantitative modeling, will help refine strategies and outcomes, enabling shellfish aquaculture to play a pivotal role in coastal habitat restoration, promoting both ecological sustainability and economic prosperity.
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