Culturing for conservation: the need for timely investments in reef aquaculture

Temperate oyster and tropical coral reefs are analogous systems that create habitat for economically, ecologically, culturally important species, they provide countless ecosystem services to human coastal communities. Globally, imperiled by multiple anthropogenic stressors, particularly climate impacts. Using aquaculture support conservation goals - known as is a relatively new approach many reef building but it shows great promise promoting species recovery bolstering resilience stressors. Concerns about aquaculture-associated risks, both potential, have often restricted the implementation of this tool an emergency intervention following dramatic declines on reefs, when or were unlikely recover. Here, we combine expertise from ecosystems consider role recommendations its timely development targeted implementation. We highlight importance evaluating alongside local stakeholders Indigenous communities determine where benefits using most likely outweigh risks. spotlight proactive monitoring detect population declines, value early interventions increase efficacy. Novel approaches technologies specifically designed builders considered, including techniques complex, multi-generational multi-species reefs. address need scaling up aquaculture-assisted recovery, corals, high volume methods like those been successfully employed oysters. also recommend immediate assessment identify challenges trade-offs these approaches. use proof-of-concept projects test promising methods, advise tracking all over time their long-term Finally, outline opportunities leverage novel partnerships among conservation, industry, community interests utilize facilitate Developing now critical position managers, scientists, restoration practitioners implement in effective ways resilient worldwide.