Led by the University of Southampton, and involving experts from Newcastle University, the research project will inform efforts to bolster food security and protect livelihoods in the region in the face of global warming, climate shocks, disease, and commercial pressures. Scientists will look at how adaptable different mollusc species are to our changing environment.

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

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 WAVES - Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability - has been awarded £3million by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to support the equitable transition of mollusc aquaculture to more sustainable methods.

The 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 (Malaysia) and the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 1 (Vietnam).

The WAVES Consortium

Newcastle University’s Dr Marie McIntyre and Professor Steven Rushton are helping deliver the project.

Dr McIntyre, of Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Given climate change and issues around food security, shellfish are potentially a sustainable, environmentally friendly and healthy source of protein. The Newcastle team are very excited to be focussing within the WAVES project, on developing models to understand climate impacts on shellfish production in relation to food safety.”    

Professor Chris Hauton, from the University of Southampton is leading the project. He says: “Climate change brings the prospect of higher sea temperatures, and changes to the distribution and timing of monsoonal systems and associated changes to the salinity of coastal waters.

“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.”

“The reliance on so few species also makes mollusc production vulnerable to climate shocks, outbreaks of disease, and other crop failures, which will be made more likely as temperatures increase.”

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.

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 policy makers in the region to show how they can transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Adapted with thanks from the University of Southampton. Read the original press release.