WorldFish is working with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and an international consortium in a £3 million project designed to enhance the sustainability and resilience of mollusc farming across Southeast Asia, the world’s largest producing region for oysters, mussels, and clams.
Approximately 20 million tonnes of molluscs are produced annually, worth nearly 30 billion USD globally. These shellfish are vital not only for export markets but also as staple foods and sources of livelihood for many local communities across Asia.
“Mollusc farming can provide a valuable source of protein and income for local communities, however the industry is limited by disease, climate-related stressors and information gaps. Understanding the challenges that hamper sustainable production of diversified mollusc species in the region will help the industry develop better practices for the resilience of the sector.” said Laura Khor, Research Fellow and project lead at WorldFish.
The research will involve working closely with local communities in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia to map current production systems, identify risks, and evaluate resilience. Researchers will assess species adaptability to environmental stressors, including rising temperatures, salinity fluctuations, and disease pressures.
Data collected will help develop strategic models to forecast mollusc aquaculture outcomes under varied environmental, economic, and policy scenarios, guiding stakeholders toward sustainable and equitable farming practices.
Findings will be shared widely among farmers, communities, and policymakers, empowering them to adopt diverse, resilient, and sustainable mollusc aquaculture systems.
Led by the University of Southampton, the WAVES (Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability) consortium includes WorldFish as subcontractors under USM, alongside partners from the Royal Veterinary College, University of Stirling, Can Tho University, Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic of Jembrana, Northumbria University, Newcastle University, and the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 1 (Vietnam). The project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).