The threat of climate change in the region
In the North of Spain, climate change is generating extreme weather phenomena that have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem and the lives of shellfish harvesters. These phenomena, such as heat waves and torrential rains, are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to global warming.
Shellfish species such as clams and cockles, which are essential to the livelihood of shellfish harvesters, are becoming increasingly difficult to find. The scarcity of these seafood is due to the impacts of climate change on the marine ecosystem.
The impact on shellfish harvesters and their livelihoods
Shellfish harvesters depend on collecting clams and cockles for their livelihood. However, due to climate change, these marine species are gradually disappearing, endangering the generation-to-generation tradition of female shellfish harvesters.
Shellfish harvesters face difficulties finding clams and cockles large enough to harvest. Local fishing authorities have established measures to ensure the sustainability of the activity, such as measuring devices to ensure that only shellfish of an appropriate size are harvested.
The lack of available seafood has led many shellfish harvesters to accept precarious and informal jobs in other sectors, such as hotel cleaning or working in bars. This situation has negatively affected women’s income and has generated concern about the future of this traditional activity.
The vital role of shellfish in the marine ecosystem
In addition to being a source of livelihood for shellfish harvesters, shellfish play a crucial role in regulating marine ecosystems. These species are filter feeders, allowing them to clean the water and remove harmful substances, such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
However, the decline of shellfish populations due to climate change threatens the ability of these organisms to fulfill their ecological function. This has negative implications for the health of the marine ecosystem in general.
Possible solutions and challenges
Faced with the crisis caused by climate change, solutions are being explored to mitigate the impacts on seafood and the livelihoods of shellfish harvesters. One of the possible solutions is the creation of clam farms, which would allow stable populations to be maintained and guarantee the sustainability of the activity.
However, implementing these solutions faces challenges, such as the need for more research to profitably farm clams and the difficulty of accessing specific government funding and support.
Additionally, the root causes of the problem, such as global warming and extreme weather events, need to be addressed. This requires collective action and a comprehensive approach to protect the marine ecosystem and guarantee the livelihoods of shellfish harvesters.
