Shellfish aquaculture
Shellfish aquaculture is the farming of aquatic mollusks and crustaceans for food or other products, using managed breeding, growing, and harvest.
Oyster farming: Oyster farming cultivates oysters in coastal waters or controlled systems for harvest. Oysters are grown on beds, in bags, or suspended cages, depending on site and species.
Aquaculture: Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms under managed conditions. Shellfish farming is one branch of this broader food-production practice.
Eutrophication: Eutrophication is excessive nutrient enrichment that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Nutrient-rich farm discharges, especially from fed systems, can contribute to coastal nutrient loading.
Finfish aquaculture: Finfish aquaculture farms bony or cartilaginous fish in marine or freshwater systems. Most shellfish do not require formulated feed, unlike many farmed finfish.
Shellfish disease: Shellfish disease is illness caused by pathogens or other biological stressors in mollusks and crustaceans. Outbreaks can cause stock losses and spread between farms or wild populations.
Mussel farming: Mussel farming raises mussels, commonly on ropes suspended in coastal waters. Suspended ropes let mussels attach and feed while remaining above the seabed.
Oyster reef restoration: Oyster reef restoration rebuilds habitat-forming oyster populations and reef structures. Some farms contribute seed, infrastructure, or expertise to restoration projects.
Benthic impact: Benthic impact is a change to organisms or conditions on or within the seabed. Biodeposits beneath dense shellfish farms can alter sediments and benthic communities.
Seaweed aquaculture: Seaweed aquaculture cultivates marine algae for food, materials, or other products. Seaweeds are photosynthetic crops, whereas shellfish are animals that filter or consume food.
Ocean acidification: Ocean acidification is the decline in seawater pH caused mainly by absorbed atmospheric carbon dioxide. Lower carbonate availability can impair shell formation, especially during early life stages.