Our food system is a major driver of biodiversity loss. The concept of ‘restorative aquaculture’ entails a form of food production that also provides ecological benefits, potentially resulting in net positive environmental outcomes. A candidate sector in Europe is bivalve aquaculture. The implementation of restorative bivalve aquaculture practices involving flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) and mussels (Mytilus spp) offers many opportunities to address coastal restoration needs (e.g., restore lost biogenic reefs, mitigate eutrophication).
Today, the sector is instead struggling, despite ambitions for growth. Barriers include a low social licence to operate, regulatory constraints and poor profitability, with varying conditions across Europe. Given current challenges and opportunities, and several commitments and ambitions related to the blue economy and biodiversity, a transformative change in bivalve aquaculture governance is warranted as a means of fulfilling goals for both biodiversity and food systems.
