Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture

Title: Quantifying ecological impacts and changes to ecosystem services as a result of seaweed aquaculture

Funded by: NERC via CDT SuMMeR

Dates: 2023–2027

Lead partner: Dr Dan Smale, Marine Biological Association

University of Plymouth staff: Miss Jasmine Ramshaw - P

Link to Staffmember: Miss Jasmine Ramshaw

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"> Miss Jasmine Ramshaw ; Dr Sian Rees - P

Link to Staffmember: Dr Sian Rees

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"> Professor Sian Rees ; Dr Emma Sheehan - P

Link to Staffmember: Dr Emma Sheehan

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"> Professor Emma Sheehan

Aims of the project:

This research seeks to improve understanding of the ecosystem service benefits and impacts provisioned by kelp aquaculture in the UK. The project focuses on filling existing identified knowledge gaps, including:

Carbon capture and sequestration potential

Impacts on local biodiversity, especially fisheries species

Influence on microbial communities, which may affect local water quality

Provisioning of human food and resources

Developing a UK-specific ecosystem services model to inform policy and industry expansion.

Marine Social Science Research Unit

We co-create and deliver robust social science research in partnership with statutory nature conservation agencies, sea users, NGOs, government departments and international organisations

Supporting the sustainable and fair use of marine ecosystems through social science research methodologies that directly inform marine environment governance at international, regional, national and local scales.