Climate change and pollution threaten Galicia’s shellfish industry

Galicia, Europe’s leading shellfish producer and the world’s second-largest mussel supplier after China, is facing a severe decline in shellfish populations, The Guardian reported. Recent data reveals alarming drops: cockle harvests fell by 80% in 2023, while some clam varieties decreased by 78%. Mussel production hit a 25-year low, dropping from 250,000 tonnes in 2021 to 178,000 tonnes last year.

Experts attribute the crisis to climate change and pollution. Heavy rains have reduced salinity in the estuaries, harming bivalve populations. Warmer waters also favor invasive species like the blue crab, which preys on valuable local crabs. Pollution from agriculture, factories, and fish canneries further exacerbates the problem, with 10% of annual waste discharges exceeding legal toxicity limits.

While oyster production has slightly increased, the overall outlook remains bleak. According to experts, urgent scientific research and government intervention are needed to address the dual threats of environmental change and industrial pollution to save Galicia’s vital shellfish industry.