Why are shellfish Important?





Aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic organisms, currently supplies over half the seafood consumed globally, and is expected to grow to meet the demand of our rapidly increasing population (9.6 billion by 2050). The United States imports over 90% of its seafood, resulting in a trade deficit of over $14 billion annually. Expansion of the U.S. aquaculture industry will create jobs, strengthen coastal economies, and preserve working waterfronts.


Shellfish aquaculture, defined here as marine bivalves (clams, oysters, scallops, mussels), is sustainable. Bivalves are filter feeders that actually clean the water as they grow. As a result, shellfish are both good to eat and good for the environment. Here in Florida, we are fortunate to have an abundance of excellent shellfish growing waters. The Gulf Shellfish Institute is working to increase the availability of locally grown shellfish and help reduce our dependence on imported seafood.





World production of shellfish in 2014 was 16.1 million MT, valued at $19 billion.​


U.S. farmers produced $169 million worth of oysters and $121 million worth of clams in 2014.


In 2013, 132 farms in Florida produced $19.6 million worth of shellfish, mostly northern quahogs. Ten farms reported production of sunray venus clams and four farms reported sales of oysters.



Marine bivalves are filter feeders and are capable of removing particles (e.g., phytoplankton) from several gallons of water every day. This reduces the impacts of nutrients in the water, by assimilation of nitrogen and phosphorus into tissue and shells and bacterial denitrification. Additional nutrients are deposited in sediments, which supports the benthic community and facilitates seagrass growth. Finally, the water is less turbid, allowing sunlight to penetrate more effectively.



Did you know?



Fun facts about oysters







Oysters are considered to be ecological engineers. Oyster reefs provide habitat for over 300 species of fish and invertebrates.




Reefs also provide shoreline protection.





Fun facts about clams





There are over 15,000 species of "clams" and 150 of them are edible.


Native Americans used quahog shells as wampum (a form of currency).


One species of clam, the ocean quahog, can live as long as 507 years.




Fun facts about scallops





When you order scallops at a restaurant, you are only eating the large adductor muscle that connects the two shells.


Scallops are the only marine bivalve with eyes.


They can also swim short distances to escape predators.