Adaptation of Shellfish Culture to Climate-Relating Changes in Deltaic Ecosystems

Aquaculture and fisheries, particularly of bivalve shellfish like mussels, oysters, and clams, play a crucial economic and ecological role in delta ecosystems. As semi-sessile filter feeders, bivalves rely on the surrounding water column for food and oxygen, and on their shell for protection making them sensitive to environmental fluctuation such as salinity, temperature, and air exposure. The highly dynamic nature of delta ecosystems, characterized by the large land-water interface, tide and current dynamics, bathymetry and anthropogenic influences, further challenge the viability of bivalve populations. Climate change further exacerbates these effects on bivalves, affecting deltas through altered water run-off, increasing storm events and eutrophication coupled with harmful algal blooms(HABs). Bivalve production can be highly affected by direct effects of climate change like temperature, but also indirect effects such as fluctuating salinities and changing food conditions.