The Role of Regenerative Aquaculture in Protecting Our Oceans

Regenerative aquaculture goes beyond sustainability. While sustainable aquaculture aims to minimise harm, regenerative practices focus on actively improving marine ecosystems. This method involves farming seafood and marine products in ways that enhance biodiversity, restore habitats, and improve water quality.

Unlike conventional fish farming, which can lead to issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and disease spread, regenerative aquaculture prioritises low-impact, environmentally beneficial techniques. These include:

Seaweed and shellfish farming – Growing kelp, mussels, oysters, and clams naturally filters water, absorbs excess carbon and nitrogen, and provides habitat for marine life.

Multi-trophic aquaculture – A system where different species (such as shellfish, seaweed, and fish) are cultivated together, mimicking natural ecosystems and reducing waste.

Restorative fisheries – Supporting wild populations through responsible harvesting and habitat restoration efforts.

Restoring Marine Ecosystems

Seaweed farms act as underwater forests, providing shelter and food for marine species while reducing ocean acidification by absorbing CO₂. Similarly, oyster and mussel farms help rebuild lost reefs, creating natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion.

Reducing Overfishing Pressure

By cultivating marine products responsibly, regenerative aquaculture reduces the need for wild-caught fish, alleviating pressure on fragile populations and preventing destructive fishing methods such as bottom trawling.

Improving Water Quality

Filter-feeding organisms like mussels and oysters naturally cleanse the water by removing excess nutrients that contribute to harmful algal blooms. This leads to healthier coastal ecosystems and improved conditions for marine life.

Combating Climate Change

Kelp and other seaweeds absorb large amounts of CO₂, making regenerative aquaculture a powerful tool for carbon sequestration. Some initiatives even explore sinking harvested seaweed to the deep ocean to lock away carbon for centuries.