In the Thermaic Gulf of Greece, mussel farmers are grappling with devastating losses as record sea temperatures linked to climate change ravage their harvests.
This fall is the second major die-off of mussels in three years, with farmers reporting a dramatic 90 percent decrease in this year’s yield. All young mussels intended for next season’s harvest have also perished due to the extreme heat, leaving the farming community uncertain about their future.
The crisis is not limited to Greece; Spain’s mussel farms are also suffering. Both countries are major producers of Mediterranean mussels and are seeing their aquaculture industries challenged by warming seas and climate volatility.
Scientists did not expect another mass die-off so soon, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change. As such, it is crucial for governments to step up their support to help farmers handle climate-related losses. In Greece, aquaculture is one of the country’s most significant agricultural sectors, valued at over €619 million in 2021.
The mussel farming crisis across Greece and Spain underscores the wider effects of climate change on global food systems. These challenges highlight the need for sustainable practices and government support to help vulnerable industries weather these environmental shifts.
Below are several .earth users that are reporting on the mussel farming crisis:
- Dialogue.Earth: This organization delivers compelling environmental journalism including this article on how North America’s battle to save the oyster industry from climate change can inform a similar fight in Senegal. Learn more here.
- Viable.Earth: This organization wrote about how microplastics are shrinking mussels in Melbourne, Australia. Learn more here.
- MusselOrganEarth: Heavy Waters (dubbed “The Mussel Organ”) is a sound art installation of 16 organ pipes connected to the vibrations of a living off uShaka pier in South Africa. Learn more here.
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