Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture

Marine Conservation Research Group
Ecological impacts of seaweed aquaculture
Title: Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture
Funded by: NERC via CDT SuMMeR
Dates: 2023–2027
Lead partner: Dr Dan Smale, Marine Biological Association
University of Plymouth staff: Miss Jasmine Ramshaw ; Dr Sian Rees ; Dr Emma Sheehan
 
 
 
 
 

Aims of the project:

This research seeks to improve understanding of the ecosystem service benefits and impacts provisioned by kelp aquaculture in the UK. The project focuses on filling existing identified knowledge gaps, including:
  • Carbon capture and sequestration potential
  • Impacts on local biodiversity, especially fisheries species
  • Influence on microbial communities, which may affect local water quality
  • Provisioning of human food and resources
  • Developing a UK-specific ecosystem services model to inform policy and industry expansion.

Marine Social Science Research Unit

We co-create and deliver robust social science research in partnership with statutory nature conservation agencies, sea users, NGOs, government departments and international organisations
Supporting the sustainable and fair use of marine ecosystems through social science research methodologies that directly inform marine environment governance at international, regional, national and local scales.
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