Last June I reported on changing levels of acidity in the Chesapeake Bay and its affects on the shells of young oysters, making them thinner than usual thus making them more available to predators such as crabs.
Now a study been published in the Journal of Biogeography indicating that climate change is raising water and air temperatures along the U.S. east coast and shrinking the region where blue mussels, or mytilus edulis, are able to survive. Blue oysters, known for their sweet flavor, used to be found as far south as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 60 years ago, but now reside only as far south as Lewes, Delaware.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina tracked the survival of blue mussels over an area of 300 miles of coastline and recorded changes across latitudes and decades as well as temperature. In addition to a smaller range for the mussels to live, there has been an increase in the mortality rate of the oysters among the northern populations.
The research is significant as it clearly shows how climate change is affecting living organisms along the east coast. Sierra Jones, a PhD student in the Department of Biological Studies at the University of South Carolina was quoted in Science Daily, saying, “These mussels are a very important part of the food chain, help clean the water, and are farmed commercially. If temperatures continue to increase, we can expect range changes of species like blue mussels to continue, and the health of our oceans is at risk.”
She concluded, “Understanding the link between organisms and environment is essential for making predictions of how future climate change will affect species and ecosystems. Where organisms might be in the future is crucial to planning for marine reserves and the future of the fishing and aquaculture industries.”
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Photo sourced from Delmarva Beach Guide.
