Para além da colheita: benefícios ecológicos da aquacultura de bivalves

The primary aim of AQUABENEFIT project it to evaluate the ecological benefits of bivalve aquaculture, with an emphasis on the habitat provision associated with the introduction of artificial structures in estuarine areas. Specifically, we aim to: 1) assess the biodiversity linked with bivalve farm infrastructure; 2) Understand how communities utilize aquaculture infrastructure compared to nearby natural habitats (e.g., substrate, refuge, nursery, foraging habitat); 3) Estimate and integrate several metrics to assess the habitat value of bivalve farms compared to unstructured natural habitats; 4) Understand how local-scale farming activities (e.g. maintenance, biofouling control, seed deployment, harvest) can affect the habitat value. Addressing these objectives will enable a comprehensive description of habitat provisioning, providing a holistic view of habitat benefits of bivalve aquaculture to wild organisms, extending beyond food provision of the cultured species. This research addresses the urgent need for sustainable seafood production while preserving the natural ecological benefits of our nearshore habitats. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to uncover how aquaculture can deliver positive outcomes for both human societies and natural ecosystems, responding to specific societal challenges, including territorially contextualized ones, by advocating for the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach to aquaculture in the future. The objectives of the AQUABENEFIT project are ambitious and represent a significant leap beyond the current state of the art. By integrating expertise from ecology, aquaculture, and marine technology, we aim to establish a valuable framework for assessing the ecological benefits of bivalve aquaculture applicable to various regions and farming methods. Quantifying habitat benefits requires novel concepts and approaches to tackle the complexity of interactions between species and between species and the environment. To meet this challenge, the proposal integrates a range of innovative strategies and methodologies. These include combining traditional and emerging monitoring techniques, such as eDNA methods and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and deep learning, to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the monitoring efforts at farm sites. Standardized census methods and data analysis tools that incorporate multi-indicators of habitat value and biodiversity across several taxa will enable a more comprehensive assessment, moving beyond single species to ecosystem-based evaluations. By assessing these habitat and biodiversity benefits throughout the entire harvest cycle, we also aim to provide recommendations on how to optimize the benefits that bivalve aquaculture can offer, with the overarching goal of informing the sustainable growth of this activity. Importantly, the AQUABENEFIT project is not just about generating knowledge but also about empowering stakeholders and fostering positive change within society. Through engagement with local farmers and stakeholders, we aim to refine our research methods and raise awareness of the potential ecological benefits associated with sustainable aquaculture practices. By promoting wider adoption of habitat monitoring practices and advocating for the adoption of ecosystem-based management approaches, we hope to catalyze a shift towards more sustainable and resilient coastal aquaculture systems.