Advances in Global Oyster Reef Restoration: Innovations and Sustainable Ecological Approaches

Asad Jamil, Ambreen Ahmad, Yong Zhao, Yuxuan Zhao, Chen Yang, Yanping Li, Jianbo Tu, Fuxin Niu, Wenliang Kong and Xianhua Liu ()
Additional contact information
Asad Jamil: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
Ambreen Ahmad: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
Yong Zhao: 3rd Construction Co, Ltd of China Construction 5th Engineering Bureau, Changsha 410021, China
Yuxuan Zhao: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
Chen Yang: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
Yanping Li: The Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin 300192, China
Jianbo Tu: Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin 300457, China
Fuxin Niu: Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin 300457, China
Wenliang Kong: Beidagang Wetland Nature Reserve Management Center, Tianjin 300452, China
Xianhua Liu: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-22

Abstract: Oysters have been recognized as ecological engineers for aquatic ecosystems, as oyster reefs provide critical habitats and foraging locations for other marine species. In the past few decades, anthropogenic activities have negatively impacted oyster reef ecosystems across the globe, resulting in a significant decline in their population. This review critically examines the causes and extent of oyster reef degradation, as well as the effectiveness of restoration initiatives employed to reverse this decline. Furthermore, this review evaluates the effectiveness of restoration strategies employed to rehabilitate oyster reefs. Different approaches, such as genetic improvement, suitable site selection, and oyster seeding to enhance oyster reef restorations, are critically reviewed in this paper. Furthermore, some advanced restoration approaches such as 3D printing, shell recycling, and acoustics technologies are also discussed in this paper, which opens the new doors for researchers in the field of restoration ecology. Challenges and barriers hindering successful restoration are also addressed, including financial constraints, regulatory complexities, and public engagement. The findings and insights presented herein contribute to the growing body of knowledge on oyster reef ecology and serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, scientists, and conservation practitioners seeking effective strategies for restoring these vital coastal ecosystems.

Keywords: oyster reefs; restoration; genetic engineering; habitat provision; ecological services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
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