BC’s shellfish industry is facing challenges wrought by human activity. Farmed and wild shellfish rely on clean, cool waters rich in algae, and changes to these conditions have consequences on their health. Ocean acidification, warmer ocean temperatures, harmful algae blooms and their associated shellfish-borne diseases, increased incidences of viral infections and severe storms and the presence of microplastics which are being ingested by shellfish, could combine to overcome an already struggling industry. Unfortunately, all that occurs for farmed shellfish will also be experienced by wild shellfish, a key species in marine ecosystems. Hence, shellfish serve as our canaries – harbingers of what might be in store for our ocean ecosystems.

Dr. Bendell is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science. For 30 years, she has studied how anthropogenic impacts alter ecosystem structure and function and the consequences of such impacts on ecosystem and human health. She teaches Ecotoxicology and Biology and tries to instill in her students a sense of urgency as to why we must all work together to mend our planet.