Aquaculture-Based Ecological Restoration: A Further Step of Regenerative and Restorative Aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture is increasingly recognized not only as a solution for global food security but also as a potential tool for ecological restoration. As marine biodiversity continues to face increasing threats and ongoing decline, there is a growing need to develop conservation-oriented approaches, particularly within the aquaculture sector. This paper explores the integration of mariculture practices—such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs)—with ecological restoration strategies aimed at rehabilitating degraded habitats and restoring ecosystem functioning. But further, the paper introduces the potential of commercial aquaculture in supporting the cultivation of species of conservation interest alongside traditional commercial species (aquaculture-assisted ecological restoration). We claim that combining commercial aquaculture with active restoration allows the scaling up of restoration efforts (i.e., one of the major bottlenecks at present), enhancing the recovery of key habitat-forming organisms, such as seaweeds, seagrasses, and endangered invertebrates, while also generating socioeconomic benefits. Drawing from recent case studies, we propose the feasibility and advantages of a “reproduce to restore” paradigm. This approach positions aquaculture as a nature-based solution capable of supporting biodiversity goals under international frameworks such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.