The role of Microbes in Aquaculture: understanding the functional role of oyster microbiomes in response to changing climates and diseases

Bivalves are ecologically and economically important in Europe.

Oysters in particular provide ecological benefits through habitat provision, economic benefits through aquaculture production, and societal benefits through cultural associations.

Although of high importance, oyster production is threatened by changing climates and disease proliferation which cause mass mortality events.

Recent advancements show that microbiomes, the microbial community within a host organism, play a significant role in the functioning of the host and their resistance to adverse conditions.

This project will incorporate knowledge from the fields of global change ecology, shellfish health and diseases, and microbiology to increase the understanding of the role of the oyster microbiome in resistance to threats posed by climate change and disease proliferation, as well as the overall performance of oysters in the environment.

By combining field and laboratory investigations of how the physical environment affects microbial functioning within oysters produced by both wild and hatchery based stocks, and subsequently their susceptibility to pathogens, this project will provide a holistic, in-depth understanding of the contribution of such microscopic organisms to these valuable bivalve species.

Results will be beneficial to the scientific community, aquaculture stakeholders, policy makers, and coastal societies alike.

Project outcomes will move forward the integration of microbiology into the success of aquaculture to increase production, sustainability, and blue growth.