Oyster farming acts as a marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) hotspot for climate change mitigation
Abstract
Bivalve farming, a vital component of global aquaculture, has been proposed as a potential marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) strategy, yet its role remains contentious. Using field mesocosms, we demonstrate that oyster filter-feeding enhances mCDR by accelerating the formation of particulate and dissolved organic carbon in the water column and promoting organic carbon deposition in sediments. This process shifts the water column toward a more autotrophic and alkaline state, effectively sequestering CO 2 from the atmosphere. Over the full culture period, the net carbon sequestered by oyster-driven organic carbon production is 2.39 times greater than the CO 2 sequestered in oyster shells. These findings position oyster farming as a scalable, nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, offering dual benefits of carbon sequestration and enhanced food security. Our results underscore the potential of oyster farming to address global challenges such as rising food demand and ocean acidification, making it a critical component of sustainable marine resource management.
Article Details
Journal Info
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Sciences
Authors (21)
Xue-Wei-Jie Chen
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Zhou Zhang
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Miao-Jun Pan
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Yang Liu
Chang-Lin Li
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Yan-Gen Zhou
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Li Li
Xuan Dong
Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Hainan Tropical Ocean University
Yun-Wei Dong
The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Jing-Yu Li
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Su-Mei Liu
Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology of Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China
Xiao-Nan Wang
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Shuang-Jie Tian
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Yi Liu
Ji-Hong Zhang
Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences
Yan-Guo Qiu
Shandong Dehemingxing Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Xue-Gang Wang
Shandong Dehemingxing Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Wei-Jun Cai
School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware
Xiang-Li Tian
Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China
Shuh-Ji Kao
State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University
Shuang-Lin Dong
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University