University of Southampton launches project to bolster mollusc farming in Asia

The University of Southampton is leading a new project to improve the sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia, one of the largest producing regions for oysters, mussels, and clams.

The research project will inform efforts to bolster food security and protect livelihoods in the region in the face of factors such as disease and commercial pressures.

As part of the project, scientists will look at how adaptable different mollusc species are to the changing environment.

Around 20 million tonnes of molluscs like oysters, mussels and clams are produced every year – equivalent to US$29.8 billion . In Southeast Asia, these shellfish are not only a major export but also a staple food source for local communities.

"A small number of species make up the vast majority of mollusc farming across Asia, and there is growing concern as to the resilience of these culture systems in the face of such an uncertain future," said project lead Professor Chris Hauton from the University of Southampton.

At the same time, changing economic drivers, such as the farmers moving away from producing molluscs for local consumption in favour of more lucrative export markets, could also threaten local food security in the region.

To address these challenges, a consortium called Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability (WAVES) has been awarded £3 million (US$3.9 million) by UK Research and Innovation to support the equitable transition of mollusc aquaculture to more sustainable methods.

The WAVES consortium, led by the University of Southampton, includes the Royal Veterinary College, the University of Stirling, Can Tho University, Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic of Jembrana, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Northumbria University and Newcastle University and will partner with Worldfish of Malaysia and the Research Institute for Aquaculture No 1 of Vietnam.

Researchers will engage with local communities to map systems of mollusc production in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, to understand existing production systems. This will include mapping stakeholders, relationships, influential factors, challenges and trends.

"By better understanding these threats, this research will allow us to develop tools to plan for future sustainable expansion of mollusc aquaculture that is resilient to the impacts of climate change and therefore protect food security and livelihoods in the region," said Dr Lucy Brunton, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Veterinary Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College.

The team will also study how tolerant different mollusc species are to environmental changes, changes in salinity, and disease. By taking a broad look at all species alternatives, this work intends to form the foundation of a diverse culture stock, which offers resilience to future shocks or challenges.

This information will be fed into a model so researchers can forecast how mollusc farming in Asia might be impacted under different climate, commercial and policy scenarios.

Researchers will also gather data to demonstrate how farming a more diverse mix of species and investing in hatcheries to develop high-quality seed could make farming more resilient and produce safer, more nutritious food.

The findings of the project will be shared with mollusc farmers and policymakers in the region to show how they can transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.