Investigating the ecosystem services of bivalves for water quality improvement
Starting in 2022, Seafish carried out research on how bivalve aquaculture impacts water quality in the UK. The work was split into two stages:
Stage 1
First part of the project estimated potential nutrient removal on a national scale. The key commercial bivalve species included in the analysis were blue mussels, Pacific oysters, native oysters, and Manila clams. This work was commissioned by the Shellfish Stakeholder Working Group (SSWG) in 2022.
Stage 2
Following the national overview, in 2024, Seafish undertook further assessment of the nutrient removal potential of bivalve aquaculture through specific UK case studies. Case studies covered a range of bivalve farms across the UK, differing in size, cultivation methods, local environmental conditions, and representing key commercial bivalve species (blue mussels, Pacific oysters, and native oysters).
The research was led by Seafish in partnership with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), with support from scientists from NOAA and Longline Environment Ltd.
Key goals included:
- Evaluating how bivalves contribute to nutrient removal and improve water quality.
- Assessing how effectively they reduce nutrient levels and, in turn, help prevent eutrophication driven by excessive algal growth. Exploring their potential as a sustainable method for managing nutrient levels.
- Estimating the monetary value and potential economic benefits associated with bivalve-driven nutrient removal on a national and case-study level.
Methodology
For both stages the study used proximate analysis (based on Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Carbon content in tissue and shell) and the Farm Aquaculture Resource Management (FARM) model to determine the scale of nutrient removal by bivalves in the UK on a national and case-study level. Additionally, the research explored the economic benefits and cost savings associated with bivalve-driven nutrient removal.
The reports provide insights into how bivalve aquaculture can support environmental sustainability in the UK and explore strategies for enhancing water quality management. In particular, the second report provides an overview of the challenges, practical considerations, and potential involved in using bivalve aquaculture for nutrient management. These insights were drawn from published research and discussions with experts in the field.
Explore the findings
Download Stage 1 report on national nutrient removal estimates and overview of nutrient removal services of bivalves:
Click here to read our blog on the environmental and economic benefits of bivalve aquaculture.
Download Stage 2 report on the case study nutrient removal estimates and considerations of including bivalves in nutrient management schemes:
Click below to download the case studies:
Click here to read our blog on the nutrient removal offered by mussel and oyster farms and how they can support healthy marine ecosystems.