South West Aquaculture
Aquaculture in the South West of England is a growing sector focused on low trophic species, including mussels, oysters, scallops, and kelp seaweeds. Freshwater trout is also farmed in hatchery systems for stocking fisheries. Whilst micro-algae production is being utilised for feeding of hatchery reared shellfish. These species are cultivated using environmentally responsible methods that support marine biodiversity, provide ecosystem services, and contribute to local economies.
Key Species and Farming Methods
Mussels
Mussels are primarily grown on suspended rope systems, where they filter plankton from the water, improving water quality while requiring no external feed inputs. This method, known as longline or raft culture, is widely used due to its efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Oysters
Oysters are farmed using various methods, including trestle systems in intertidal zones and suspended cages in deeper waters. These bivalves enhance water quality by filtering out excess nutrients, making them an integral part of ecosystem-based aquaculture. The region farms both native oysters (Ostrea edulis) and Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas).
Scallops
Scallop aquaculture is less developed than mussel and oyster farming but has gained interest in the South West. Techniques such as suspended net systems and seabed ranching are being explored, allowing scallops to grow in their natural environment while contributing to habitat restoration efforts.
Kelp Seaweeds
Kelp farming is emerging as a key part of South West aquaculture. Grown on seeded lines in nutrient-rich waters, kelp absorbs carbon dioxide and excess nutrients, providing ecosystem benefits such as carbon sequestration and habitat creation. It is used in food production, cosmetics, and bioplastics, with increasing commercial interest.
Freshwater Trout
Freshwater trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is produced in land-based hatcheries and raceway systems, primarily for stocking into recreational fisheries. These systems require careful water management to ensure sustainability, often incorporating recirculating aquaculture technology (RAS) to minimize environmental impact.
Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)
IMTA is gaining interest in the South West, particularly for integrating shellfish and seaweed farming. This approach allows species to interact beneficially—shellfish filter organic particles while seaweeds absorb dissolved nutrients, creating a balanced and efficient system that reduces environmental impact and increases productivity. The learnings of which can be extrapolated and its hope will provide a basis for nutrient mitigation form higher trophic species, although studies have struggled to overcome technical challenges associated with the differing life cycles and associated harvest seasons.
Sustainability and Habitat Enhancement
Aquaculture in the South West is increasingly linked to marine conservation, with projects focusing on habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement. Some initiatives are trialing artificial reef structures and seabed restoration techniques to enhance shellfish recruitment and improve local fisheries. Lessons from recent research highlight the role of aquaculture in supporting marine ecosystem recovery while maintaining commercial viability.
Technological Advancements
South West aquaculture is adopting modern technologies to improve efficiency and environmental performance:
Water Quality Monitoring: A mix of satellite imagery and real-time sensor systems track harmful algal blooms, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen to optimise farm conditions.
Selective Breeding: Genetic selection programs are improving resilience in species stocks, increasing disease resistance and growth rates.
Marine Spatial Planning: Data-driven site selection helps minimise conflicts with other marine industries and ensures sustainable expansion.
So why’s South West Aquaculture Special?
The South West’s aquaculture sector is evolving with a focus on sustainable, low-impact species growing produce considered a delicacies in most regions of the world. By advancing IMTA, habitat enhancement, and innovative farming methods, the region is positioning itself at the forefront of environmentally responsible aquaculture.