Files and links (1)
Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Report
Towards sustainable materials in low-trophic aquaculture: a comprehensive analysis of gear use and composition across species and regions [Scoping Study]
International Development Research Centre
2025
Abstract
Low-trophic aquaculture (LTA), including seaweed and bivalve farming, is celebrated for its minimal inputs and low carbon footprint, offering a sustainable solution for global food security. However, widespread reliance on plastic gear undermines its environmental benefits, contributing to marine litter and microplastics. This study systematically reviewed 20 years of LTA literature (2003–2024, screening 1,768 abstracts) and found that while one-third of studies mentioned farming gear, only 6% provided the composition of the gear material. Of these 108 articles with detailed composition, over 70% reported using synthetic plastics. There were some differences in the type and composition of gear reported based on the species (seaweed or bivalves) and the region (Asia and Rest of the world). For seaweeds, the main use of gear was the growing structure (~60% of studies, irrespective of region), whereas for bivalve farming, the gear categories reported were more complex including floatation devices (25% of studies from Asia) and seeding/harvesting tools (21.1% of studies outside of Asia). Seaweed studies from Asia predominantly used gear composed of synthetic plastic (60.5% of studies), followed by natural materials (34.2%), whereas seaweed studies outside of Asia reported similar usage of bio-based plastics (16.3%) and natural materials (16.3%), in addition to those using synthetic plastics (65.3%). For bivalves, almost all of the studies from Asia (88.2%) used gear composed of synthetic plastics, whereas those outside of Asia also investigated bio-based materials (8%) in addition to synthetic plastic (73.6%). These data highlight that traditional/natural materials and synthetic plastics are important irrespective of what species are cultivated. However, there are innovations in bioplastics and alternative biobased gear that are already being utilised for LTA gear in some parts of the world. Overall, this report underscores the dominance of synthetic plastics in LTA research over the last 20 years, but identifies a bright spot in Asia with the existing use of natural materials that are biodegradable for seaweed production. The report also identifies a regional gap in research into alternative, bio-based plastics for LTA. More work on natural materials and bio-based plastics could focus on formal comparisons with synthetic plastics to identify areas of opportunity for expanding the use of biodegradable gear without compromising production of the target species.
Details
- Title
- Towards sustainable materials in low-trophic aquaculture: a comprehensive analysis of gear use and composition across species and regions [Scoping Study]
- Authors
- Enrique de Paz Miguel - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringNick Paul - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- 20 pages
- Publisher
- International Development Research Centre
- Date published
- 2025
- Handle
- 10625/64522
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Student Services and Engagement; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991136804102621
- Output Type
- Report
Metrics
10 File views/ downloads
55 Record Views