Why AQUABENEFIT
Bivalve Aquaculture as Habitat
AQUABENEFIT is an interdisciplinary research project exploring how bivalve aquaculture contributes to coastal ecosystem functioning. While shellfish farming is well known for its economic and seafood-production value, its ecological role remains underexplored.
This project examines how aquaculture structures act as habitat—providing substrate, refuge, nursery grounds, and feeding opportunities for marine and estuarine species.
Using an off-bottom oyster farm in a Portuguese estuary (Lima estuary) as a case study, AQUABENEFIT examines how farming infrastructure interacts with natural biodiversity across the production cycle.
To assess habitat value, the project integrates field monitoring with advanced tools, including eDNA, stable isotope analysis, remote underwater video, and AI–based image analysis, developing a standardized and transferable framework for evaluating habitat value in other shellfish farming systems.
Working closely with farmers, managers and regulators, AQUABENEFIT aims to support sustainable practices and recognize bivalve aquaculture as part of healthy, resilient coastal ecosystems—alongside its economic and social importance for coastal communities.
Our Aims
1
Quantify Habitat Value
Assess how bivalve aquaculture infrastructure supports biodiversity through habitat provision
2
Compare Ecological Function
Evaluate how communities associated with aquaculture structures differ from those in adjacent natural habitats
3
Assess Farming Effects
Determine how routine farming activities (maintenance, biofouling removal, harvest) affect habitat quality
4
Integrate and Translate Knowledge
Synthesize ecological results into a standardized, transferable framework to support sustainable aquaculture management and policy
