Tagged lobsters used to evaluate offshore mussel farm's environmental impact

The Ropes to Reefs project, a collaborative initiative in Southwest England, aims to assess the ecological impacts of the UK's first large-scale offshore mussel farm on local marine life, including lobsters, thornback rays, black bream, and thick-lipped mullet. Funded by the Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (FISP) scheme, the project involves scientists from the University of Plymouth, aquaculture companies including Offshore Shellfish Ltd, and various fishing and conservation organisations. By tagging and tracking key marine species, researchers intend to gain insights into the habitat preferences and movements of these animals within and around the mussel farm. Preliminary studies have indicated positive ecosystem services provided by the farm, such as enhanced biodiversity and habitat creation. The Ropes to Reefs project seeks to fill existing knowledge gaps and support sustainable aquaculture practices aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the potential of mussel farming to deliver high-quality protein with a minimal environmental footprint. (The Fish Site)