East Coast Shellfish Growers Association August 2021 Newsletter

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The Nature Conservancy, Partners Release Global StudyQuantifying Habitat Benefits of Shellfish AquacultureThe Nature ConservancyThe Nature Conservancy and partners atUniversity of New England, University ofMelbourne and University of Adelaide systematicallyreviewed 65 published sources fromaround the world to assess the biodiversity benefitsof mussel, oyster, clam and seaweed farms.Across all species groups, a greater numberof fish and invertebrates were observed on thefarm sites compared to nearby locations. Musselfarms appear to be the most beneficial ofthese species groups for enhancing the volumeof marine life, as about 3.6 times more fishand invertebrates appear around mussel farmscompared to nearby locations.In addition, a greater diversity of species wasalso observed on some farm sites. Oyster farmsproved to be the most effective for increasingspecies diversity: 30 percent more speciestended to inhabit these farms than areas nearthe farm. These benefits were the result of providinga structured habitat, food and places toforage, and reproductive grounds for fish.“Aquaculture is among the world’s fastestgrowingforms of food production and there isa growing biodiversity crisis that already existsin our ocean. It’s critical that we identify waysto develop aquaculture that benefits, ratherthan harms our ocean, that are based on soundscience,” said Robert Jones, Global Lead forAquaculture at The Nature Conservancy andco-author on the study. “This study is gamechanging in that it clearly shows an opportunitythrough shellfish and seaweed aquaculture.For the first time, we’re able to put quantifiableglobal numbers on the benefits these farms canhave on marine wildlife.”The authors hope that policymakers at local,regional and global levels will recognize thepotential positive outcomes provided by aquacultureand begin to incorporate them intoregulatory systems that encourage the developmentof a habitat-positive industry, potentiallycreating public incentives and market-basedapproaches that will allow farmers to be rewardedor compensated for the benefits theyare providing.“When managed and practiced well, commercial,market-driven shellfish and seaweedfarming can provide ecosystem services,” saidDr. Seth Theuerkauf, the study's lead authorand former Global Aquaculture Scientist atThe Nature Conservancy. “This means thatwe have another tool in the coastal ecosystemrecovery toolbelt that can be deployed by theprivate sector to produce food while providingthe ecosystem services that we so desperatelyneed in many systems.”More broadly, the authors hope that the exampleof shellfish and seaweed farming systemscan provide an important case study thatinspires application and development of aquacultureand agriculture that is nature-positive,while also helping to provide food security.“For decades we have thought these benefitsmay be real. It is fantastic to see these resultsquantify this positive habitat value from aquaculture,”said Dr. Barry Costa-Pierce, HenryL. & Grace Doherty Professor of Ocean FoodSystems at University of New England.To read the full study, Habitat value of bivalveshellfish and seaweed aquaculture for fish andinvertebrates: Pathways, synthesis and nextsteps, visit doi.org/10.1111/raq.12584.— See graphic on page 15SHELLFISH GROWERINSURANCECall for Commercial Boat Insurance!Remember:Keep ‘EmColdGeneral LiabilityJones ActBusiness Auto/TruckWorkers’ CompensationMarine/BoatAll OthersCONNECT WITHDavid Merriman, CPCUSales ExecutivePhone: 434-327-1643dmerriman@bankersinsurance.netwww.bankersinsurance.net/seafoodBankers Insurance focuses on you, the client,and endeavors to become your trustedinsurance agent. We are committed to NoExcuse Client Service and pride ourselves ondelivering the highest ethical and professionalstandards. Contact David, today!Do you sell shellfishat farmers markets orother retail outlets?For as little as $4.75 each(for 250) you can buycustom–imprinted,soft–sided, insulatedlunch boxes. Throw in a gelpac and your customerswill be able to keep theirshellfish purchases safe andcool on the ride home.For more info, visitePromos.comPage 14 ECSGA Newsletter Issue 3 August 2021
How Much Habitat Benefit Do Shellfish and Seaweed Farms Provide?From Theuerkauf et al. Habitat value of bivalve shellfish and seaweed aquaculture for fish and invertebrates: Pathways, synthesis and next steps.Sign up Now:USDA Census ofAquacultureBefore filling out the censusyou must let USDAknow you exist, so visitwww.agcounts.usda.gov/static/get-counted.html and register today!When the next Censusgears up, you'll get acopy of the survey in themail, along with a uniquecode to fill it out online.By law, your individualinfo will remain confidential,and won't be disclosedto any other governmentor private entity,or be used for purposesof taxation, investigationor regulation.ECSGA Newsletter Issue 3 August 2021 Page 15
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East Coast Shellfish Growers Association August 2021 Newsletter

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