Offshore longline mussel farms: a review of oceanographic and ecological interactions to inform future research needs, policy and management

With a growing human population and the need to protect our oceans from overfishing, there is requirement for society source alternative means of sustainable protein. Mussel aquaculture has rapidly expanded in many countries serving as an important supply protein, but its development been limited due competition coastal space associated environmental impacts farming inshore waters. Offshore developments have potential overcome such issues. This review synthesises current literature on ecological oceanographic interactions longline offshore mussel farms with aim elucidate main knowledge gaps context management conservation. Large installations interact hydrodynamics area causing water flow distortions attenuation, wake formation distorting column stratification which can effect nutrient seston well altering material dispersal, biodeposition resuspension, having turn, knock-on carrying capacity system, ultimately affecting surrounding ecology ecosystem services. farm studies report increase biomass or numbers benthic pelagic organisms beneath around ropes relative control sites using structure shelter, refuge nursery. Improving understanding aquaculture–environment crucial identify priorities needed future research inform policy practices role part Blue Growth Agenda ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs).