In the quest for sustainable marine management, a novel approach is emerging that could reshape the future of offshore renewable energy and aquaculture. A recent study published in *Environmental Research: Energy* (translated as *Environmental Research: Energy*) explores the potential of co-locating offshore renewable energy (ORE) farms with low-trophic aquaculture (LTA), offering a promising solution to the growing conflicts over marine space and resources.
The study, led by Hanxiao Ma from the UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research at University College Dublin and Chang’an Dublin International College of Transportation at Chang’an University, systematically reviews the strengths and limitations of this co-location method. The findings suggest a strong potential for its development in offshore areas, where ORE farms and LTA can share space, vessels, and even wave attenuation effects.
“Offshore renewable energy farms can supply power and provide anchors for the aquaculture system,” explains Ma. “Meanwhile, low-trophic species like mussels and kelp capture carbon and nutrients in their ambient water, contributing to ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation.”
The co-location approach aims to address the escalating threat of global warming and the increasing human activities that strain coastal environments. By integrating ORE farms with LTA, this strategy seeks to reduce marine spatial conflicts while promoting sustainable marine management.
However, the study also highlights significant knowledge gaps and critical issues in environmental, technical, and socio-economic domains that must be addressed before widespread implementation. Previous field investigations and academic studies have been largely one-dimensional and insufficient, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. Co-locating ORE farms with LTA could lead to more efficient use of marine space, reduced operational costs, and enhanced environmental benefits. This multi-use strategy could pave the way for innovative business models and partnerships between the energy and aquaculture industries.
As the world seeks sustainable solutions to climate change and marine resource management, this research offers a compelling vision for the future. By addressing the identified challenges and filling the knowledge gaps, the co-location approach could become a cornerstone of offshore renewable energy and aquaculture development.
“This study is a crucial step forward in understanding the potential of co-location,” says Ma. “It highlights the need for further research and collaboration to realize its full benefits.”
With its focus on sustainability and innovation, this research could shape the future of marine management, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious coexistence between renewable energy production and marine ecosystem conservation.