Articles tagged with Shellfish
A study recommends expanding conservation aquaculture in ten priority estuaries on the West Coast to restore declining Olympia oyster populations, benefiting both local shellfish growers and Tribal communities. Aquaculture can support wild populations without harvesting or selling native oysters.
A recent study by Portland State University researchers detected low levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care product chemicals in oysters along the Oregon and Washington coast. The concentrations were higher near wastewater sites, indicating a need to address the sources of these pollutants.
A new study reveals that a changing parasite is behind the intensification of oyster disease in the Chesapeake Bay region. The emergence of a more virulent form of Perkinsus marinus, caused by evolutionary pressures from a non-native parasite MSX, led to a sharp increase in disease prevalence and deadliness.
A new study from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center found that actively restoring oyster reefs can create healthier habitats than simply protecting them. The study used underwater videos to rate habitats and found that restored reefs earned the highest scores for oyster habitat, with 74% receiving a top ranking.
A global assessment report by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission found that reported Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events have increased in some regions, while decreasing or holding steady in others. The study highlights the need for more research on the linkages between HABs and growth of the aquaculture industry.
Purdue University chemists are developing new adhesives inspired by shellfish to replace toxic and permanent options. The goal is to create stronger, more sustainable adhesives for various applications, including medical and household uses.
Researchers propose techniques to decode fungal electrical activity, enabling efficient information transmission and complex processing. Fungal networks can monitor large data flows, providing insights into ecosystem dynamics and promoting sustainable development.
A recent study found that nanoplastics and arsenic exposure affects oyster biological functions, with increased bioaccumulation of arsenic in Canadian Crassostrea virginica oysters compared to Guadeloupean Isognomon alatus oysters. Gene deregulation was also observed in C. virginica.
A new study has identified the transcriptome and proteome of Scrobiculariaplana, a bivalve used as a bioindicator for pollution. The database provides insights into molecular functions related to stress response mechanisms under pollution, helping to better gauge the effects on marine ecosystems.
A study by HKBU scientists reveals symbiotic relationship between clams and bacteria, enabling them to adapt to deep-sea conditions. The research found 28 genes transferred from ancestral chemoautotrophic bacteria to the clam, facilitating chemosynthesis and energy production.
Researchers at VIMS are creating an AI-powered fishing app using angler photos to train software to identify fish species. The app aims to provide anglers a field guide and scientists with a collaborative tool for better management of recreational species, while contributing to sustainable fisheries management.
Researchers detected pesticides in 38% of mussel and clam samples, with some containing herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The study's findings have implications for developing more sustainable forestry practices to reduce harm to aquatic life.
A study found that early exposure to heat and low oxygen can leave lasting scars on oysters' ability to grow tissue. Oysters invested more in growing their shells than tissue when exposed to the double punch of low oxygen and warmer waters. This could pose a problem for anyone involved in the seafood industry.
Shellfish aquaculture provides direct economic benefits and ecosystem services, including habitat for native species and improved water quality. A study estimated that replacing shellfish aquaculture with traditional engineered nutrient reduction strategies would cost between $2.8-5.8 million per year.
A team led by VIMS researchers is studying the impact of ocean acidification on oysters and their aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. The goal is to develop tools for forecasting acidification thresholds to help growers make informed decisions.
The study found new biomarkers related to changes in protein function involved in novel regulatory mechanisms of metabolic and immunological pathways in blue mussels, soft-shell clams, Eastern oysters, and Atlantic jackknife clams. Biomarker identification will benefit the aquaculture industry.
Researchers have discovered that corals can acquire their symbiotic algae from the fecal pellets of giant clams. This finding suggests a novel route for the transportation of Symbiodiniaceae to corals, which could have significant implications for our understanding of coral-algae interactions.
Climate change is increasing the frequency of highly toxic algal blooms off the US west coast, producing a neurotoxin that causes severe digestive and neurological symptoms. A new study found that extreme marine heatwaves are now 20 times more likely to occur than they would be without climate change.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Pacific razor clams from Washington's Olympic Coast, with an average of seven pieces per clam. Thoroughly cleaning clams reduced microplastic content by half.
Researchers found that oysters and champagne complement each other through umami synergy, which is enhanced by glutamate and nucleotides. This discovery could help increase vegetable consumption by making vegetables taste more appealing with their own umami flavor.
Researchers found that eco-engineered tiles with crevices can increase habitat complexity, enhancing marine biodiversity. The tiles provided shelter and reduced temperatures for animals, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
A study of Maine's Swan's Island reveals declines in five species of mussels, barnacles, and snails over two decades, with young mussels experiencing the sharpest decline. The researchers attribute these changes to climate-driven ocean acidification and warming, which affect shellfish ability to thicken their shells.
A recent study found alarming levels of human bacterial pathogens and microdebris materials, including plastics and milk supplement powders, in oysters from the eastern Andaman Sea. The research suggests that coastal urbanization increases contamination in seafood, posing significant health risks to humans and threatening global food s...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created microcapsule technology that fortifies bivalve shellfish with Vitamin A and D, providing a cheap and effective way to address global nutrient deficiencies. This breakthrough could help improve the health of millions while reducing environmental impact.
Researchers studied thousands of oyster shells to understand Native American harvesting practices, revealing a remarkable stability of oyster reefs prior to the 20th century. The study highlights the importance of Indigenous ecological knowledge for modern reef management.
Researchers at KAUST discovered that giant clam iridocytes absorb UV radiation and re-emit it as useful light for photosynthesis. This photoprotective effect enables clams to live in shallow tropical waters with high UV radiation levels.
Researchers found evidence that there are significantly fewer of the single-celled algae that produce harmful toxins in an area more than 45 feet around an eelgrass bed. Eelgrass wards off toxin-producing algae, providing a natural defense for marine species and shellfish harvests.
A study published in Scientific Reports highlights how benthic assemblages impact coral and giant clam species' dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) production. The researchers found that DMSP concentration is modulated according to the complexity of species assemblages, suggesting a connection between neighbors and metabolism.
A new study suggests that prehistoric people relied on shellfish to sustain them as they migrated out of Africa, particularly during periods of drought. The availability of these marine mollusks allowed for continuous harvests without major ecological impacts.
The study reveals that Tunisian lagoons have high levels of cadmium and other heavy metals in carpet shell clams, indicating severe pollution. The team's analysis also shows a correlation between temperature increases and higher levels of pollution.
An international team of scientists warns that artificial structures and reclaimed land in coastal urban areas can cause more harm than good, even with green technologies. They advocate for caution and rigorous evaluation of claims over biodiversity gain to prevent 'greenwashing'.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that only about 2% of microplastic particles in Pacific oysters can be confirmed as plastics. The team used advanced methodologies to accurately identify and catalog microplastics, revealing a lower abundance than previously thought.
Despite regional hardship, ancient people continued their centuries-long tradition of meeting to socialize and feast on oysters. The persistence of these gatherings underscores the importance of community for the people affected by climate change and abandonment.
Historical examples of sustainable and unsustainable fishing practices reveal common 'recipes for failure' that offer warnings for modern-day ocean management. Successful societies achieved balance between economic growth, social equity, and sustainability by managing resources fairly and responding to change.
A Rutgers University study found that Eastern oysters and three species of clams can thrive in the same area, benefiting shellfish aquaculture. The research suggests crop diversification gives farmers protection from individual crop failure, increasing profitability.
Researchers analyzed giant clam shell biogeochemical records from the South China Sea and found pulsed changes matched extreme weather events. The study suggests Tridacna shells could be used to record paleoweather patterns.
Researchers found that some oyster species can pass on memories of harsh conditions to their offspring, improving survival rates. However, this ability varies between species and life stages.
A Rutgers-led study found that climate change could threaten the survival and development of common whelk in the mid-Atlantic region. The species' spawning cycle is closely linked to temperature, which is expected to increase due to rising temperatures.
A new study of fossil mollusk shells from the late Cretaceous period found that a day lasted 23.5 hours, with ocean temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in summer and exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in winter. The ancient shell revealed unprecedented detail about the animal's growth rate and water conditions.
A new form of imaging modality called coded light-sheet array microscopy (CLAM) allows for full 3D parallelized fluorescence imaging without scanning. CLAM reduces photobleaching and preserves biological specimen viability, enabling long-term volumetric imaging.
Researchers studied prehistoric oyster shells to understand the decline of colossal oysters in Florida's northern Gulf Coast. They found a massive 2.6 inch decrease in maximum size, shorter lifespan, and slower growth rate compared to their ancestors.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that global cooling following a nuclear war would worsen the impact of ocean acidification on marine life. The cooling would dissolve atmospheric carbon into the upper ocean, increasing acidity levels and challenging shell maintenance for organisms like corals, clams, and oysters.
A new study shows that warmer seawater with lower pH can alter the feeding habits of the peppery furrow shell, a common clam, leading to greater tolerance among surface-dwelling invertebrates. This change affects the interaction network between porewater nutrients, primary producers, and burrowing invertebrates.
Neandertals used clam shells as scrapers and pumice stones as abrading tools, collecting resources from the beach and coastal waters of Italy. The study found that nearly a quarter of the shells had been collected underwater, suggesting Neandertals waded or dived into coastal waters to gather materials.
Researchers analyzed genome-wide genetic data from Japanese pearl oysters to understand their population structure and adaptability. They found that sea surface temperature and oxygen concentration strongly correlated with genetic variation, leading to the discovery of distinct northern and southern populations. The study provides insi...
Researchers have developed a forecasting system using deep learning algorithms to predict shellfish toxicity, enabling the industry to prepare and adjust harvest timing. The system has shown high accuracy in predicting oncoming toxicity events, which can cause significant disruptions to the state's seafood industry.
Researchers have created a mathematical model that explains how the interlocking edges of oyster shells develop physically, revealing a complex interplay between geometry and mechanical forces. The study suggests that a toothed or wavy edge occurs when the mantle grows faster than the shell edge, causing it to buckle.
A new study found that fossilized shells from around the globe show evidence of both rapid ocean warming and elevated mercury levels during the Deccan Traps volcanic eruptions. The findings suggest that the mass extinction event that killed off dinosaurs may have been triggered by both asteroid impact and massive volcanic eruptions.
Researchers used clumped isotope geochemistry to analyze fossilized clam shells and reconstruct ancient cooking techniques. The study found that the majority of clams were heated to temperatures greater than 100°C, but not greater than 200°C.
Scientists analyzed fossilized clam shells to reconstruct ancient cooking habits in Puerto Rico, finding that clams were cooked at temperatures between 100°C and 200°C. The results suggest that barbeque was a common method of cooking, unlike boiling, which may not have been widespread due to the lack of ceramic pottery technology.
A study discovered contagious cancer in shellfish that has spread across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Pacific. Researchers believe ships may have transported infected mussels, delivering the disease to new regions. The findings could help develop plans to protect marine life and inform human cancer metastasis research.
Researchers from Kiel University found that the invasive American slipper limpet is not the main cause of European oyster population decline in the North Sea. The study analyzed historical collections of both species and revealed that the decline began in the late 19th century, before the limpet's introduction.
A new study suggests people have been eating only oysters in months with the letter 'r' - September to April - for at least 4,000 years. Researchers analyzed snail parasites on discarded shells to determine the seasonal pattern of oyster harvesting.
A new PSU study found 11 microplastic pieces per oyster and nine per clam along the Oregon coast. Microplastics were found in both Pacific oysters and razor clams collected from all 15 sample sites.
Researchers at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center have identified suitable locations off the US northeast coast for offshore blue mussel farms. The study suggests that Long Island, north of Cape Ann in Massachusetts, and off New Hampshire are promising sites due to favorable temperature and food availability conditions.
A study examines the relationship between humans and butter clams in the Salish Sea over 11,500 years. Traditional management practices led to thriving clam populations despite heavy harvesting pressure.
Researchers found that selectively bred oysters can alter their shell biomineralisation mechanisms to promote resilience against environmental acidification. This breakthrough could be a global mitigation strategy for sustainable shellfish aquaculture in the face of climate-driven change.
A study published in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science found that high-tide water in Willapa Bay's tidal flats takes multiple tidal cycles to fully replace, leading to differences in oyster growth. This slower turnover affects the quality of oyster beds, with regions having 'old' water showing lower levels of nutrients.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that giant clam feces contain symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which can be transferred to juvenile clams and establish a symbiotic relationship. This finding may help solve the mystery of how coral reefs acquire these essential algae.
A new study by the University of California, Davis, reveals that climate change could lead to a significant decline in oyster habitats in California bays. The research found that changes in dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and salinity would have a greater impact on oyster growth than ocean acidification.