Changes in major nutrients and physiology of bivalve mollusks under ocean warming and potential mitigation strategies
Yizhou Sun
Abstract
Bivalve mollusks represent an important animal protein source for human diets, yet ongoing anthropogenic ocean warming is expected to markedly diminish the production potential of bivalve aquaculture. Although a substantial amount of data exists concerning the relationship between ocean warming and the nutritional quality or physiological responses of bivalves, the interplay between major nutrient dynamics and physiological adaptation under ocean warming remains poorly understood. Here, by analyzing 29 peer-reviewed papers published between 1998 and 2023, this article provides an integrative review of the changes in major nutrients and physiology of bivalve mollusks under ocean warming, and proposes mitigating strategies. Overall, ocean warming adversely affects the lipid and carbohydrate of bivalves, with protein resilient to ocean warming. Nutrient variations in bivalves are influenced by warming scenarios, life stages, exposure duration, and tissue types, and depend on species-specific thermal tolerance, utilization preferences, seasonal dynamics, and reproductive cycles. In the context of climate change, vulnerability assessment, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), and selective breeding may facilitate adaptive management in aquaculture. This study aids in understanding potential effects of ocean warming on major nutrients in bivalves and proposes evidence-based mitigating strategies.