![]() ![]() Interest in Northeast oysters is growing in Gulf regions. Demand for Pacific oysters is growing on the East Coast. Restaurants and diners are now looking to branch out of local varieties. The raw bar market is starting to mature. Industry changes have forced growers to find smarter approaches, and they’re now more prepared for the unexpected. Oyster hatcheries now breed seed to adapt to ocean acidification. ![]() Growers have had to deal with the effects of climate change and red tape for more than a few years now. If new rules apply in 2019, they may pose unforeseen supply challenges.ĭespite all the doom and gloom around climate change and regulations, oyster producers are readier than ever. Local, state, and federal regulations affect the industry's ability to produce and sell. These costs inevitably get passed along the supply chain to the consumer. Product costs on surf clams have already gone up since the closure. Market prices on wild shellfish will likely increase with supply constraints. ![]() Surf clam is a New England staple - it’s the main ingredient in New England clam chowder. The closure may cause surf clam harvest and production to drop by 50%. The area, however, was also vital to the surf clam industry. This past December, the New England Fisheries Management Council closed an area in Nantucket Shoals to protect aquatic habitat. Unfortunately, these regulations can hurt the industry. Public agencies and regulators are trying to mitigate the effects of climate change. Regulations affecting catch and harvest “They have no idea about the impact on the habitat and the fishery… And they’ve made a regulation that’s going to affect people dramatically in a negative way.” - Former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang This will likely put future pressure on hard shell supply as well. Connecticut, a large producer of hard shell clams, is seeing a decline in wild set seed. The soft shell clam fishery continues to struggle with climate change, and its decline will limit supply. This will affect their quality during the warmer months. The warmer temperatures will likely induce shellfish to spawn sooner and potentially longer. Vibrio bacteria also thrives in warmer waters, which increases the risk of illnesses and related closures. There could be more frequent shellfish area closures due to heavy rain or algal blooms. Winter storms, wind, and other weather systems will limit farm access and production. The consequences of climate change will definitely affect supply. Stormwater runoff carrying excess nitrogen is causing more algal blooms harmful to shellfish.Ĭlimate change is the new reality, and it will likely continue this year and into the near future. More frequent and extreme weather systems also increase the risk of losses. Shellfish are becoming more susceptible to disease and less resistant to invasive species. Ocean acidification and warming waters are affecting shellfish health and development. The ramifications of climate change for the shellfish industry are far-reaching. Supply TrendsĪt the most recent 2019 Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition, climate change was the hot topic. As we look forward into 2019, here are the industry issues and trends we are thinking about and how they may affect the shellfish market. ![]() But as it grows, it is also drawing more attention from the public sphere. The shellfish industry continues to surprise us with innovation and newcomers. We saw the rise of farmed oysters, the rapid openings of raw bars, and the expansion of the cocktail-size oyster market. Over the last ten years, we have seen the oyster market explode. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |