Over 800 Shellfish Species Have Lowered Risk of Extinction; Experts Urged Conservation of Marine Bivalves

The latest report discovered that 800 shellfish, mostly human harvests, are considered resilient against extinction amidst the threat of climate change and warmer ocean temperatures.

Researchers from Shan Huang of the University of Birmingham, Smithsonian and others studied the different shellfish species, including mussels, oysters, clams and scallops.

As climate change and global temperatures worsen, the biodiversity or ecosystems underwater are also affected. Coral reefs are considered sensitive to changes in temperatures.

Shellfish has been a favorite food for people. Fishermen sell them in the market to make a living. In the latest study published in Nature Communications, researchers studied the possible vulnerability of the exploited bivalves in the ocean.

800 Shellfish with a lower risk of extinction

In the 800 shellfish reported, they are commonly harvested. Researchers explained that the shellfish showed to be more resilient and resistant to threats of extinction. The discovery of new species can assist experts in understanding the harvested marine species.

Humans also exploit the said shellfish for commercial purposes, adding that about 801 species of bivalves are being exploited in fishing.

Furthermore, they discovered that the exploited shellfish species could emerge in shallow waters with the capacity to adapt to temperature changes.

Meanwhile, the researchers raised concerns and the importance of conservation management for in the Southeast Pacific, east Atlantic and Northeast areas.

According to scientist Stewart Edie, people are fortunate because the species they consume shows resilience and resistance to extinction.

While the species are resistant, excessive demand and lack of conservation efforts can harm their population.

With the study, it can also help develop urgent conservation efforts to protect the shellfish population from the brink of collapse or extinction.

Palau coral reefs and tolerance to extreme temperatures

Soaring temperatures can impact coral reef systems, which affects aquatic animals and marine biodiversity. As a result, marine biologists have been looking into the impacts of rising temperatures on oceans.

In addition, researchers recently discovered that the Palau region corals showed heat tolerance. The said corals can survive in challenging climates or heat conditions.

The study was published in Common Biology. The thriving coral reef system in Palau can help scientists to understand and develop conservation strategies to protect other temperature-sensitive corals.

Palau Rock Island experiences high temperatures, and amazingly the corals live.

Some facts about invertebrate species

According to NOAA Fishers, some common invertebrate species are shellfish, lobsters, crabs and shrimp.

When you see shellfish in untreated or polluted waters, it is best to avoid it. Consuming the said shellfish can harm your health, causing severe health risks.

Regarding bivalves, oysters and clams can consume plankton that serves as their food. The biggest clam in the U.S. was discovered in the Northwest Pacific waters.

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