Sustainable Total Value Chain of Cockles: Contributions of Governance and Policy for Industry

The Sustainable Total Value Chain of Cockle Industry project harnesses environmental resource managements and technological innovations to enhance the sustainability and productivity in the cockle sector. The initiative involves the management of sediment by periodically removing excessive shell accumulation and rotating aquaculture areas; thus, allowing ecological recovery as well as preventing harmful buildup. This approach ensures that only mature cockles are harvested by using machines or tools powered by solar or water wheel-generated energy on boats to enhance resource efficiency and national productivity of cockles. However, the environmental pollution stemming from cockle shells has risen alongside with productivity. Recent research has focused on transforming cockle shell waste into sustainable biological filter media which has shown promising outcomes. This media effectively doubles the alkalinity concentration, stabilizes pH level in aquaculture system, and reduces ammonia content in water. The inherent calcium carbonate in cockle shells helps stabilizing and regulating aquatic pH level which is crucial for maintaining optimal water quality and enhancing the texture of the surface of biological filter media. Also, it is useful in wastewater treatment to reduce ammonia content in aquaculture effluent management, permitting reusability of effluent in aquaculture. Nevertheless, further research is needed to explore the unique structure of cockle shells as biofilter media in promoting microalgal biofilm growth, which could be converted into renewable energy source such as biodiesel and protein source such as fish feed. This innovation repurposes waste, addressing aquaculture's waste management and enhancing sustainability, exemplifying a circular bioeconomy model. Through the development and implementation of biological filter media, the project contributes significantly towards global environmental sustainability efforts, providing a replicable model for ammonia removal in aquatic environments without exuding carbon dioxide. There are initiatives on governance and policy toward carbon dioxide reduction in ocean-related contexts as highlighted in the Fisheries Act 1985, National Climate Change Policy 2.0 and Green Practices Guidelines. The National Fisheries Act 1985, under the Fisheries (Cockles Conservation and Culture) Regulations 2002, focuses on harvesting size restrictions for cockles, permitting harvest and equipment used in the process. The National Climate Change Policy 2.0 reinforces Malaysia's commitment to combat the climate change by integrating policy that measures across various sectors for the transition towards a low-carbon economy while enhancing climate resilience. This policy which aligns with international climate commitments like the Paris Agreement is aiming to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050. One key policy that focuses is low-carbon development is to reduce the greenhouse gas emission across various key sectors and increase the capacity of carbon sinks. Malaysia's commitment to sustainable development is also underscored by the Green Practices Guidelines, integral to the nation's broader environmental and sustainability efforts under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. These guidelines advocate for the adoption of sustainable technologies in sectors such as aquaculture, supporting initiatives to improve water quality and reduce environmental impact through innovative filtration methods. This policy framework ensures Malaysia’s economic growth aligns with sustainable, resilient environmental practices by embedding climate considerations throughout national planning and development.