The ATTITUDE project explores implementation of restorative aquaculture practices for mussels and oysters. Environmental, social, economic and governance conditions are investigated in case studies across Europe. The aim is to identify barriers and opportunities for a transformative governance where the bivalve industry is integrated with coastal ecosystem conservation.
Food production and biodiversity conservation often comes with competing claims on natural resources. The ATTITUDE project challenges this by investigating how restorative aquaculture can integrate both. The project focuses on bivalve aquaculture, specifically mussels (Mytilus spp.) and European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), as a pathway to support food security while contributing to more resilient coastal ecosystems.
Restorative aquaculture refers to forms of seafood cultivation that maximize ecosystem benefits alongside food production. In many coastal areas, mussel and oyster aquaculture can contribute to ecosystem functions such as nutrient removal, habitat creation and biodiversity support. However, despite growing policy ambitions related to the blue economy, climate adaptation and biodiversity in Europe, the adoption of restorative aquaculture practices remains limited.
ATTITUDE will generate the knowledge needed concerning natural science evidence base, socio-economy and governance elements to support transformative change in coastal governance. Through case studies across multiple European sea basins, ATTITUDE examines current practices and future opportunities for implementing restorative bivalve aquaculture practices under different ecological, social and institutional conditions, bringing together researchers, authorities and stakeholders from across Europe. A key feature is the transdisciplinary approach to identify pathways that are viable from different perspectives.
The long-term vision is to enable protection and restoration of wild bivalve populations and coastal ecosystems and sustainable growth of mussel and oyster production in Europe. By identifying how bivalve aquaculture can become integrated and compatible with conservation efforts, ATTITUDE will provide actionable knowledge for decision makers, industry and other stakeholders in coastal management and aquatic food production. As demand for nutritious and sustainably produced aquatic foods grow, approaches that combine production and restoration will become increasingly important. ATTITUDE contributes to this transition by exploring how mussel and oyster farming can deliver multiple benefits for nature and society.
Funded by Biodiversa+ https://www.biodiversa.eu/2026/04/03/attitude/
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attitude-aquaculture/
Contact:
Sara Hornborg sara.hornborg@ri.se Anna Axelsson anna.f.axelsson@ri.se
RISE project webpage: https://www.ri.se/en/project/attitude