Shellfish aquaculture: Balancing sustainability, innovation and environmental challenges

Shellfish aquaculture has emerged as a critical component of global seafood production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fed aquaculture. This paper examines the complex interplay between sustainability, innovation, and environmental challenges in the shellfish aquaculture sector. The study starts by analysing global trends in seafood production, highlighting the comparative growth of shellfish farming and its economic implications in the context of globalization. The focus then shifts to the sustainable development of non-fed aquaculture, emphasizing the optimization of ecosystem services provided by bivalve molluscs, from their role in coastal and marine ecosystems to their innovative applications in agriculture and environmental technologies. The paper further explores the key challenges facing bivalve aquaculture, including the impacts of climate change, emerging contaminants, and the risks associated with invasive alien species. Also, a bibliometric analysis is presented to elucidate the connections between climate change, pollution, and bivalve research, providing insights into the current state and future directions of the field. Finally, it analyses the trends and future challenges in shellfish aquaculture, offering a comprehensive conclusion and perspective on how the industry can improve the path towards sustainable and resilient growth. By addressing these multifaceted issues, this manuscript aims to contribute to a balanced approach in advancing shellfish aquaculture while mitigating its environmental impact and exploiting its potential for innovation.