UK: British shellfish and seaweed farms could provide valuable habitats for coastal fish species

Published 2024년 5월 1일

Tridge summary

A study conducted by the Marine Biological Association and the University of Exeter has found that shellfish and seaweed farms in the UK could be providing valuable habitats for coastal fish species. The research, which was funded by several organizations and published in the journal Aquaculture Environment Interactions, used camera and fishing surveys to discover that mussel and seaweed farms could create new feeding grounds for fish. At least 11 fish species were recorded, with higher numbers and diversity found in farmed areas compared to outside them. The farms were found to support ecologically and commercially important fish like mackerel, pollack, and greater sand eels, and also provided crucial nursery and breeding grounds for young fish. The researchers emphasize the need for greater recognition of the environmental benefits of shellfish and seaweed farms by policymakers and call for more habitat protection and environmental stewardship at these sites.

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Original content

British shellfish and seaweed farms could provide valuable habitats for coastal fish species, according to new research. Shellfish and seaweed farming offer potentially sustainable food sources and are increasingly recognised for their additional environmental benefits, but research into their value for fish populations is currently lacking. Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and the University of Exeter teamed up to determine whether these aquaculture sites help or hinder fish abundance and diversity. Results from camera and fishing surveys in UK locations suggest mussel and seaweed farms could create new feeding grounds for fish of commercial and ecological importance. Surveys were carried out around two integrated blue mussel and kelp farms in Cornwall. Baited remote underwater video (BRUV) units were used to record and compare fish presence in locations in and around the sites and fishing surveys were used to determine their feeding patterns. At least 11 ...

Source: Fish Focus