health
'Something out of the ordinary': why are Japan’s oysters dying en masse?
A death rate of up to 90%, attributed to warming seas, is threatening the trade in Hiroshima prefecture, which produces most of the country’s farmed oysters
TL;DR
- Oysters in Japan are experiencing mass die-offs, with death rates as high as 90% in Hiroshima prefecture.
- The primary causes cited are rising sea temperatures and extreme heatwaves linked to climate change.
- These conditions lead to reduced oxygen and food availability for oysters, weakening them and making them susceptible to disease.
- The crisis is financially impacting oyster farmers and threatening the future of the industry, which is vital to Hiroshima's economy.
- The Japanese government has introduced measures, including low-interest loans, to support struggling fisheries.
- Experts suggest potential adaptation strategies such as relocating oyster rafts or adjusting their depth to mitigate the impact of high water temperatures.