Project overview
Bivalve aquaculture is a vital sector of the European blue bioeconomy, providing high-quality seafood and supporting coastal communities. However, this industry faces significant challenges due to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the increased prevalence of pathogens and harmful algal blooms.
ShellFishBoost is an innovative research project funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the European shellfish production sector against these climate-related threats.
ShellFishBoost is organized in 4 Work Packages (WPs), each tackling a different a specific problem, plus a fifth WP that is about dissemination activities.
Background & Rationale
Bivalve aquaculture, which includes the farming of oysters, mussels, and clams, has become an increasingly important sector of the global blue bioeconomy in recent years. This growth is driven by the numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits that bivalve aquaculture provides.
Environmental Benefits
Shellfish farming is considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice compared to other forms of aquaculture and traditional livestock farming. Bivalves are low on the food chain, have a minimal carbon footprint, and provide multiple ecosystem services, such as water quality improvement, promotion of macrophyte growth, and habitat provision for various species.
Economic Importance
In Europe, the economic value of production for the main bivalve species, including Pacific oysters, European flat oysters, mussels, and clams, largely exceeds one billion euros annually. This industry supports local economies and provides employment opportunities in coastal rural areas, where bivalve farms are often small-scale, family operations.
Social and Cultural Significance
Bivalve aquaculture is deeply rooted in the cultural and culinary traditions of several European countries. Shellfish consumption is an integral part of local cuisines and contributes to the preservation of traditional food systems and cultural heritage.
Climate Change Challenges
Despite its numerous benefits, shellfish production is already facing major challenges due to the direct and indirect effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the increased prevalence of pathogens and harmful algal blooms pose significant threats to bivalve aquaculture. These challenges are expected to become even more severe under future climate change scenarios.
Addressing Resilience
To mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of the European shellfish production sector, it is crucial to improve the resilience of cultured bivalve species. Selective breeding offers a promising solution by enabling the development of strains that are genetically more resistant to pathogens and environmental stressors.
The ShellFishBoost project was conceived to address this pressing need by generating the necessary knowledge and tools to implement effective selective breeding programs for climate-resilient bivalve strains. Through a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, involving academia, industry, and stakeholders, the project aims to protect and develop this vital sector of the blue bioeconomy while contributing to environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social well-being.
