NEW £3M PROJECT TO BOLSTER SUSTAINABILITY OF MOLLUSC FARMING IN ASIA

New £3m project to bolster sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia. The University of Southampton is leading a new project to improve the sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia – the world’s largest producing region for oysters, mussels and clams.

The research project will inform efforts to bolster food security and protect livelihoods in the region in the face of global warming, climate shocks, disease, and commercial pressures. Scientists will look at how adaptable different mollusc species are to our changing environment.

Around 20 million tonnes of molluscs like oysters, mussels and clams are produced every year – equivalent to 29.8 billion US dollars. In South East Asia, these shellfish are not only a major export but also a staple food source for local communities.

Professor Chris Hauton, from the University of Southampton, is leading the project. He says:

“Climate change brings the prospect of higher sea temperatures, and changes to the distribution and timing of monsoonal systems and associated changes to the salinity of coastal waters.

“A small number of species make up the vast majority of mollusc farming across Asia, and there is growing concern as to the resilience of these culture systems in the face of such an uncertain future.

“The reliance on so few species also makes mollusc production vulnerable to climate shocks, outbreaks of disease, and other crop failures, which will be made more likely as temperatures increase.”

At the same time, changing economic drivers, such as the farmers moving away from producing molluscs for local consumption in favour of more lucrative export markets could also threaten local food security in the region.

To address these challenges, a consortium called WAVES – Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability – has been awarded £3 million by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to support the equitable transition of mollusc aquaculture to more sustainable methods.

The Consortium, led by the University of Southampton, includes the Royal Veterinary College, the University of Stirling, Can Tho University, Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic of Jembrana, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Northumbria University and Newcastle University and will partner with Worldfish (Malaysia) and the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 1 (Vietnam).

Researchers will engage with local communities to map systems of mollusc production in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, to understand existing production systems. This will include mapping stakeholders, relationships, influential factors, challenges and trends.

Dr Lucy Brunton, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Veterinary Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, said:

“The RVC is leading the systems mapping of current mollusc production in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia to better understand activities, livelihoods and climate change threats. Such threats might include increased disease outbreaks in mollusc populations, decreased productivity and altering of land suitability for farming, which can all negatively impact food safety and security and the livelihoods of farming communities.

“By better understanding these threats, this research will allow us to develop tools to plan for future sustainable expansion of mollusc aquaculture that is resilient to the impacts of climate change and therefore protect food security and livelihoods in the region.”

The team will also study how tolerant different mollusc species are to environmental changes, changes in salinity, and disease. By taking a broad look at all species alternatives, this work intends to form the foundation of a diverse culture stock, which offers resilience to future shocks or challenges.

This information will be fed into a model so researchers can forecast how mollusc farming in Asia might be impacted under different climate, commercial and policy scenarios.

Dr Andrew Desbois, from the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, said:

“Mollusc farming has a low environmental footprint and by filtering seawater as they feed, molluscs enhance water quality in and around the farms. Taking steps to ensure production continues in a changing climate will help to make sure these highly nutritious foods will be available to consumers in the regions where they are farmed, and around the world.”

Researchers will also gather data to demonstrate how farming a more diverse mix of species and investing in hatcheries to develop high-quality seed could make farming more resilient and produce safer, more nutritious food.

The findings of the project will be shared with mollusc farmers and policymakers in the region to show how they can transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Prof Hauton added:

“This information will not only help regional planners to think strategically about how best they can support mollusc farming into the future but also empower farmers to improve farming practices to produce high-quality mollusc products in a sustainable and resilient way.”

Photo credit: University of Southampton

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