Bivalve Shellfish Aquaculture in the National Estuarine Research Reserves: Assessing Current Activities, Relevant Policy, and Engagement Approaches

Abstract Expansion of shellfish aquaculture in the U.S. is currently being promoted for its demonstrated potential as an environmentally friendly and sustainable food production system. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), through its network of protected estuarine sites and research, education, and interpretation mandates, may provide an effective means for enhancing public awareness and management of shellfish aquaculture within the nation’s estuarine areas. However, the NERRS’s role regarding the presence of aquaculture within Reserve boundaries, for research or non-research purposes, is not broadly understood by NERRS stakeholders. The goals of this study were to broadly review and highlight the current activities, regulatory framework, and engagement approaches to aquaculture within the NERRS, and more specifically, to focus on the suitability and role(s) the NERRS may choose to seek or strengthen with respect to shellfish aquaculture. To accomplish this, a survey questionnaire was disseminated within the NERRS community. Twelve of the 29 Reserves within the NERRS held some type of aquaculture activity, while 17 Reserves believed their Reserve was suitable or potentially suitable for shellfish aquaculture. Reserve suitability was driven by a range of factors, including: water quality, NERRS regulations, character of Reserve land-managing entities, scope of protected areas, and preexisting or historical shellfish aquaculture and/or wild harvest activities. Overall, the Reserves’ approach to shellfish aquaculture was locally focused, but with patterns that reflected a regional influence. Additionally, Reserves displayed key roles as coordinating entities and a trusted source of science. Particularly with establishing commercial aquaculture, it is critical to couple the goals of an aquaculture activity with the net positive and negative impacts to a specific geographic area. We recommend that the NERRS would benefit from developing best management practices for approaching shellfish aquaculture within Reserve boundaries, and educating and engaging with shellfish aquaculture stakeholders. One approach might be to develop a decision-support model for approaching and allowing each use of aquaculture (research, restoration, conservation, recreation, and commercial), in collaboration with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.