The University of Southampton is leading a £3 million research project, known as WAVES (Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability), to improve the sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia — the world’s largest producer of oysters, mussels, and clams. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, the project aims to safeguard food security and protect livelihoods threatened by climate change, disease, and commercial pressures. The WAVES consortium, which includes partners from the UK, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will study the resilience of various mollusc species to environmental changes such as rising temperatures, salinity shifts, and disease. It will also explore how diversifying species and improving hatchery quality can enhance nutrition and farming stability. According to Professor Chris Hauton, from the University of Southampton, the project will map current farming systems, identify key challenges, and provide practical tools and policy recommendations to support sustainable growth. Ultimately, the research aims to help farmers adopt more resilient practices and enable policymakers to plan strategically for the future of mollusc aquaculture in the region.
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