The challenge
Developing a marine offset economic feasibility model
NineSquared sought assistance in developing a marine offset economic feasibility model which considered Australia’s legislative framework for existing carbon and nitrogen offset approaches and opportunities in the marine environment; and which identified and integrated economic and ecosystem service principles to position the theoretical model in the environmental impact/services spectrum. The model would then be tested in South East Queensland, working with Moreton Bay oyster farmers.
In collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), this marine-based approach was explored, applying both economic and scientific analysis to help assess the potential for marine offsets in Moreton Bay.
Our response
Accessing funding support
With advice and support from the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs' Programme, Innovation Connections service, an initiative which is funded and supported by the Australian Government, and Innovation Connections Facilitator Dr Scott McNeil, NineSquared's researcher, Dr Rachael Marshall, established a collaboration with the USC's Professor Nick Paul to quantify the economic value of the nutrients harvested from the receiving environment.
The results
Creating a collaboration partnership
Several outcomes have been achieved through this project which include assessments of potential for carbon and nitrogen marine offsets for oyster and seaweed aquaculture in Australia’s regulatory framework, and investigations into the potential for seaweed markets for small scale seaweed farming in Australia.
Engagement with Moreton Bay oyster farmers to understand existing farming practices and to understand how seaweed could be included in expansions; measurement of carbon and nitrogen in oyster farms across Moreton Bay has been completed for modelling potential carbon and nitrogen offset for shellfish as well as integration of carbon and nitrogen measurements from common seaweed species known to grow in Moreton Bay. Work has also commenced on risk modelling for diversifying oyster farming into seaweed farming in Moreton Bay as a case study.
A valuable link has been established with both USC for seaweed industry development and with UWA for the development of economic modelling tools for environmental services.
Plans to further support the development of the seaweed industry through the design of economic decision support tools that will quantify the benefit of seaweed farming to the oyster grower, engaging with both state government and industry, are in progress with the support of a second Innovation Connections grant.
Our Partner
