Oyster farming acts as a marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) hotspot for climate change mitigation

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2504004122

Authors: Xue-Wei-Jie Chen, Zhou Zhang, Miao-Jun Pan, et al. 

02 September 2025

Significance

Oyster farming not only supports global food security but also acts as a significant marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) mechanism by promoting primary production and organic carbon sedimentation. Our study reveals that oyster-driven organic carbon production sequesters 2.39 times more carbon than is harvested during shell formation, enhancing atmospheric CO2 uptake and mitigating ocean acidification. These findings highlight oyster farming as a scalable, nature-based solution to climate change, offering a dual benefit of carbon sequestration and sustainable food production. This research provides critical insights for integrating bivalve farming into global carbon trading frameworks and blue carbon strategies.

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 CO2 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 CO2 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.

Source: PNAS

[Renaud de RICHTER]

A complement or confirmation of ?
Intensive oyster farming enhances carbon storage in sediments over decades
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02358-2   16 May 2025
Authors: Xin Sun, Ramón Filgueira, Yihua Sun, Ming Han, Qisheng Tang & Yao Sun 

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