Bivalve Molluscs: sustainable aquaculture that sequesters carbon by Università di Ferrara

The project promotes sustainable bivalve aquaculture (focused on oysters, mussels and clams) as a nature-based solution for carbon sequestration and climate mitigation along the Emilia-Romagna coast. Building on solid scientific evidence that these filter-feeding organisms incorporate dissolved CO₂ into their shells through biocalcification, the initiative aims to refine carbon-sequestration estimates, develop Life Cycle Assessment models and explore the integration of bivalve farming into emerging carbon-credit systems aligned with the EU Green Deal. Activities include promoting low-impact practices such as renewable-energy-powered depuration systems and biodegradable farming materials, implementing water-quality and sediment-monitoring networks and strengthening collaboration among research institutions, producers, policymakers and consumers to expand adoption of environmentally responsible aquaculture. Expected impacts include improved ecosystem health (through reduced eutrophication and enhanced biodiversity) greater resilience of local fisheries affected by the blue crab invasion and global warming, and new economic opportunities for coastal communities, including potential revenue from carbon markets. Challenges such as climate-driven environmental variability, regulatory complexity and the need for reliable carbon-accounting methods will be addressed through targeted research, streamlined permitting and the development of economically viable “carbon-friendly” product lines. The initiative will be carried out in partnership with Istituto Delta Ecologia Applicata SRL.