Researchers examine kelp farming's benefits to the global ecosystem

Published 2021년 4월 16일

Tridge summary

A research collaboration between the University of New England, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of Auckland is investigating the ecological benefits of kelp farming in New Zealand and Maine. The study aims to understand the restorative potential of aquaculture, focusing on carbon sequestration, nutrient bioremediation, biodiversity, and habitat provision. The research will also explore the ecological impacts of co-culturing kelp with local mussel species. This project is significant as both regions are ideal for seaweed and shellfish aquaculture, and aims to correct the misconception that aquaculture has only negative environmental impacts.

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Original content

Researchers examine kelp farming’s benefits to the ecosystem. As aquaculture expands off coasts around the globe, Carrie Byron, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Programmes at the University of New England in Maine, is part of a team working to better understand the restorative nature of aquaculture. Byron and the University of New England are teaming up with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the University of Auckland, New Zealand to jointly study the ecological effects of farmed kelp in New Zealand and Maine. “Other researchers have been quantifying ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and nutrient bioremediation,” stated Byron. “Global warming is attributed to an abundance of carbon in the atmosphere. Similarly, many of our coastal waters, worldwide, are impaired by too much nitrogen in the water. Kelp utilizes these sources of carbon and nitrogen for growth.” Byron says there is some literature about the carbon sequestration and ...

Source: Fish Focus