| “I am exploring the viability of using certain tunicate species found in Shandong Province, China in sustainable aquaculture. Tunicates naturally bioaccumulate heavy metals in their tissues due to filter-feeding. Many tunicate species have become invasive due to globalization and climate change, biofouling dock and aquaculture (especially oyster and mussel) infrastructure, presenting economic damages. However, tunicates can be used as a resource instead of a pest, whether for medical compounds, human or animal consumption (protein alternative in fish feed), or as a part of sustainable aquaculture. This can allow for a circular economy, possibly minimizing economic losses for the aquaculture industry, while recovering nitrogen and phosphorus from marine systems to mitigate eutrophication. “ |
