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In June 2021, the Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) published a Recommendation titled ‘The provision of ecosystem services by European aquaculture,’ which underscores the importance of aquaculture in delivering essential ecosystem services. Aligned with the European Green Deal, the Commission's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 outlines measures to address biodiversity loss, integrating the Farm to Fork Strategy to transition towards a sustainable and equitable food system. These strategies emphasize that preserving biodiversity is integral to sustainable food systems, positioning European aquaculture as a pivotal contributor to biodiversity protection, ecosystem service enhancement, and landscape preservation.

The AAC’s recommendations advocate for the recognition and support of European aquaculture, particularly bivalve mollusc farming, as a provider of critical ecosystem services.

Key proposals include:

• Recognizing aquaculture ecosystems, especially those involving extensive bivalve farming, as part of the natural heritage linked to human productive activities.
• Ensuring coherence between the water register for bivalve farming and its protection, in accordance with the EU’s Water Framework Directive, to promote appropriate regulation and support for the ecosystem services provided, in line with the EU biodiversity strategy.
• Studying, evaluating, and emphasizing the ecosystem services provided by bivalve farming through the financing of research aimed at understanding these aqua-
• Supporting public awareness initiatives to promote sustainable bivalve aquaculture as a low-carbon, biodiversity-enhancing food production system that offers significant ecosystem benefits.

By integrating these insights, it becomes evident that bivalve mollusc farms are more than just food production systems; they are vital components of coastal resilience, contributing to the ecological and economic stability of coastal regions.