Irish research shows oyster farming provides major environmental and economic benefits, cleaning coastal waters, storing carbon, and supplying nutritious protein. Farms remove 228% more nutrients than they produce, offering $2 million in annual coastal cleanup, while capturing carbon in their shells that offsets 73% of farming emissions. Nationally, oyster farms could remove 40 tons of nitrogen, 4 tons of phosphorus, and nearly 835 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to treating wastewater from over 10,000 people.
Oysters are also a low-carbon protein. Each kilogram produces 5.71 kg of CO₂ equivalent, far less than beef, chicken, or farmed salmon. They provide essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3s, making them valuable for those reducing meat intake.
The study analysed Pacific oyster farms in northwest Ireland using full lifecycle assessments, tracking fuel, equipment, and packaging. Results show expanding oyster farming across Europe could restore coastal ecosystems, support rural economies, and create 15–20 direct jobs per farm.
Europe’s oyster industry has declined nearly 20% in the past decade, but targeted investment could reverse this trend, aligning environmental and economic goals. Consumers can support sustainability by choosing certified or locally sourced oysters, available fresh, frozen, or canned year-round.
This research strengthens the global case for sustainable shellfish farming as a solution for clean coasts, climate mitigation, and resilient coastal communities.
https://happyeconews.com/the-environmental-benefits-of-oyster-farming/
