Nuisance biofouling in shellfish aquaculture induces labor and financial costs on farmers and can limit opportunities for further shellfish growth. In some regions, these farm activities have also faced public opposition due to concerns over coastal aesthetics or property values, potentially constraining aquaculture’s social carrying capacity. At the same time, growers are seeking ways to diversify production to increase profitability and build resilience against environmental and market challenges. One promising strategy that addresses both biofouling and diversification goals is the integration of sea urchins with shellfish. Sea urchins actively graze on biofouling that accumulates on aquaculture gear or the exterior surfaces of shellfish. In certain areas of the US, this approach can help to enhance shellfish production and support the emerging sea urchin aquaculture sector, creating additional economic opportunities for growers.
Here, we overview several case studies exploring this integrated approach using different species and gear types. In Maine, several trials co-culturing Atlantic Sea Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) with Green Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) in suspended culture gear were conducted at commercial and research sea farms, optimizing species size, stocking densities and gear types. In Rhode Island, Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were grown alongside the commercially underutilized Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin (Arbacia punctulata) in bottom oyster bags and cages within a coastal pond farm. We summarize the outcomes of these studies, grower perspectives and our next steps.