Anthropogenic ocean warming triggers nutritional shifts in commercially important marine bivalves

Bivalve mollusks are a significant source of animal protein for human consumption. However, it has been observed that continued anthropogenic ocean warming (OW) will substantially reduce the production potential of bivalve aquaculture. While substantial evidence connects OW with alterations in bivalve nutritional quality, broader conclusions on this matter remain unclear. This paper provides a systematic review of the effects of OW on the primary nutrients (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates) in commercially important marine bivalves and proposes mitigating strategies. Overall, OW has significantly reduced temperate bivalves’ total lipid and carbohydrate content. In contrast, protein content appears to be more resilient under warming conditions. Nutrient variations in bivalves are influenced by species’ thermal tolerance, utilization preferences, reproductive strategies, and seasons, and depend on factors such as warming levels, life stages, exposure durations, and tissue types. This work contributes to understanding potential variations in the nutritional quality of marine bivalves under climate stress, and to developing climate-adaptive strategies for aquaculture and fisheries management.