Author: Miranda Jacques
Date: March 25, 2026
Article Title:
Interactive effects of predation and climate on the distributions of marine shellfish in the Northwest Atlantic
Article Affiliation:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Université du Québec à Rimouski
McGill University, Department of Biology
Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Department of Biology, Concordia University
Article Citation:
Zabihi‐Seissan, S., Baker, K. D., Stanley, R. R., Tunney, T. D., Beauchamp, B., Benoit, H. P., … & Pedersen, E. J. (2024). Interactive effects of predation and climate on the distributions of marine shellfish in the Northwest Atlantic. Oikos, 2024(9), e10524.
INTRODUCTION
Marine shellfish play an essential role in coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and economies around the world. However, these species face increasing pressures from both climate change and natural predators. In the Northwest Atlantic, where many commercially valuable shellfish species thrive, warming waters and shifting predator-prey dynamics are affecting shellfish distributions in unpredictable ways. The article explores this intersection of climate and predation, contributing valuable insights to climate impact studies by focusing on marine species vulnerable to ecological shifts.
The research team aimed to uncover how predation and climate change interact to influence the distribution of marine shellfish in the Northwest Atlantic. By examining shellfish populations over time, the researchers sought to understand the combined effects of warming waters and predatory species on shellfish habitats. As ocean temperatures rise, climate change can push shellfish species into new areas, affecting both their survival and ecosystem dynamics. This study helps fill a critical knowledge gap about these dual influences on marine ecosystems, which are essential for biodiversity and for coastal economies reliant on shellfish fisheries.
To answer this question, the researchers conducted a series of observational and experimental analyses. They examined shellfish distribution and population changes in response to varying temperatures and predation pressures, specifically
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The study found that climate and predation indeed interact in complex ways to shape shellfish distributions in the Northwest Atlantic. Warmer temperatures generally pushed certain shellfish species to new depths or further north, where cooler conditions provided more favorable survival conditions. However, as shellfish migrate to these new areas, they often encounter novel predatory pressures or higher concentrations of natural predators, altering their survival and growth rates.
One key finding was that predation amplified the effects of climate-related shifts. For example, shellfish populations moving to new habitats could be disproportionately impacted by local predators who benefit from warmer waters as well. The study highlights that while warmer temperatures might initially seem favorable for some shellfish, predation poses a significant challenge to their survival in these shifted habitats. This research underscores the importance of understanding not just climate impacts but also how ecological relationships—like those between predator and prey—shape species distributions in a changing environment.
This research has important implications for marine management, especially in regions dependent on shellfish for economic and cultural purposes. The combined effect of climate change and predation pressures is reshaping shellfish distributions, posing challenges for conservationists and fisheries. By understanding these ecological changes, resource managers can better prepare for future scenarios, potentially adjusting fishing regulations or conservation zones to support vulnerable shellfish populations. For Atlantic Canadians, in particular, this research provides insights into how the warming Northwest Atlantic may impact traditional shellfish stocks like clams and scallops, staples for local fisheries and cuisine.
CONCLUSION
This study reveals that the impacts of climate change on marine shellfish are more complex than previously thought, as predation significantly influences shellfish distributions. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to marine conservation that considers not only temperature shifts but also the broader ecological changes affecting shellfish populations. These insights are especially valuable for Atlantic Canada, offering guidance on how to safeguard the sustainability of these valuable resources.
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