Restorative Aquaculture
How aquaculture can contribute to marine ecosystem recovery and support communities and local economies.
Restorative Aquaculture
Restorative aquaculture occurs when commercial or subsistence aquaculture provides direct ecological benefits to the environment, with the potential to generate net positive environmental outcomes. This differs from more traditional aquaculture practices, where aquatic species are farmed, where the stock is owned by an individual or corporate, and there is no intentional environmental benefit from the operations.
The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand’s (TNC NZ) restorative aquaculture programme tests if aquaculture can go beyond sustainable production to actively restoring the marine environment.
The programme is backed by a four-year grant from the Elfenworks Foundation (a US-based philanthropic funder) and runs from March 2026 through to 2030.
Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food production system, accounting for over half of the global seafood supply. With worldwide consumer demand projected to nearly double by 2050, we need new approaches that improve biodiversity and strengthen local economies.
Marine environments around Aotearoa New Zealand have experienced historical habitat loss or degradation, due to over-fishing, development and pollution, among other reasons. TNC NZ's Restorative Aquaculture Programme is exploring how some forms of aquaculture can contribute to marine ecosystem recovery — while also supporting food production, livelihoods and commercial outcomes.
The programme is focused on understanding where and how aquaculture activities can generate measurable ecological benefits, how those benefits can be verified, and if they can contribute to marine ecosystem recovery while delivering economic opportunities for Aotearoa.
Shellfish aquaculture has the potential to contribute many environmental benefits when done in the right locations and implemented in ways that reduce the risk of environmental harm. By filtering water and the uptake of nutrients, shellfish such as green-lipped mussels support habitat health and bolster wild fish populations.
Elfenworks has always been drawn to innovative ideas worth testing. This programme reflects our long-standing commitment to ocean restoration and to a more hopeful future, and our belief that partnering with and supporting the leadership of indigenous communities is essential to getting there.
Restorative from the outset
Aotearoa New Zealand already has a substantial aquaculture sector which contributes to the economy and sustains coastal communities around the country. This TNC NZ programme aims to develop the ecological and economic evidence for restorative aquaculture in Aotearoa in partnership with the industry and communities.
The work will focus on green-lipped mussels, because they are a New Zealand aquaculture species on which a lot of research has already been done — and because New Zealand's mussel industry is already well-developed, and provides opportunities to monitor and test environmental benefits in existing farms.
The programme will build on a comprehensive review of the evidence commissioned by TNC and undertaken by the Cawthron Institute, which found:
- shellfish aquaculture can generate ecological benefits (including creating habitats for species, increasing biodiversity, improving water quality by providing filtration and nutrient removal) alongside producing food and providing economic benefits to communities and New Zealand in general.
- mussel farms can provide habitats, food and nursery areas that support fish, invertebrates and other marine life. Several studies report higher fish numbers near mussel farms than nearby non-farmed areas.
The next step is exploring future opportunities and potential regions in Aotearoa to host pilot projects.
An economic opportunity, not just an ecological one
Restoring the moana (ocean) and building viable, commercially sound aquaculture aren't separate goals. Restorative aquaculture explores how aquaculture can deliver benefits for marine ecosystems alongside sustainable production.
A core strand of the programme is dedicated to the economic case: the business models, financing pathways and market opportunities for restorative aquaculture. There is real potential here for Aotearoa, and part of the programme's job is to help find it.
Partnership is at the centre of the model
TNC NZ will work alongside iwi, industry and other stakeholders to support participation, clarify governance and monitoring approaches, and build the relationships required for long-term success.
Designed to generate practical learning for the whole sector
The programme will test and evaluate restorative aquaculture approaches in real-world settings. It will build the evidence, tools and partnerships needed to understand where and how restorative aquaculture approaches can contribute to environmental, community and economic outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A key step in enabling and scaling restorative aquaculture will be to address policy and consenting barriers. The team’s work programme includes identifying barriers to implementation and developing guidance for how restoration can be built into aquaculture consents.
Our vision is for a national restorative aquaculture programme, with sites all around the country where projects support ecological recovery, iwi and industry participation, and offer commercial opportunity.
TNC NZ is working through discussions with interested partners and we will share more on individual partnerships and pilot sites as those are confirmed.
Aquaculture Research
The ability to verify, measure and actively improve conservation outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand aquaculture farms is key to this project. Leveraging global expertise, TNC NZ is working to independently validate and measure how the current aquaculture industry is interacting with the environment—both positively and negatively.
This baseline research will provide an impartial understanding of how the restorative potential of farms varies based on their location and farming practices.
Resources
- Aquaculture Science Hub compiles research, tools and resources that help coastal communities and ecosystems around the world.
- Global Principles of Restorative Aquaculture provides guidelines on regenerative foods systems that restore habitat and protect biodiversity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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