Rising Seawater Temperatures Threaten Scallop Harvest in Japan

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Rising Seawater Temperatures Threaten Scallop Harvest in Japan

The scallop industry in Mutsu Bay, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, is facing a crisis due to rising seawater temperatures that are adversely impacting scallop populations. Experienced scallop fisherman Hideto Takada, with over 50 years of expertise, has witnessed unprecedented challenges as more than 50% of juvenile scallops in the bay died in autumn 2023, with significant losses continuing in subsequent years.

The higher-than-usual seawater temperatures have caused severe consequences for scallop fry, with mortality rates reaching alarming levels. The water temperatures are disrupting the natural growth of scallop fry, with adverse effects on their health and survival. Despite attempts to mitigate the impact by transferring scallop fry to colder waters, the industry in Mutsu Bay continues to face significant challenges as water temperatures persist at levels detrimental to scallop populations. If the trend of rising seawater temperatures continues, there are concerns that scallops in Mutsu Bay may disappear entirely in the coming decades.