Mussels, oysters and other shellfish
01 August 2017 - Dossier
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Due to the growing world population, the demand for sustainably produced protein is increasing. Shellfish are at the lower end of the food chain and their growth has limited climate impact, which makes them well suited for this purpose. In addition, shellfish play a crucial role in the ecosystem, for example as food for birds and as a habitat for a large number of plant and animal species. Shellfish also provide other ecosystem services, such as maintaining water quality and contributing to coastal defences as 'biobuilders'. Wageningen University & Research monitors shellfish stocks in Dutch waters, tests food safety and advises on shellfish cultivation in coastal areas and offshore, also in relation to offshore wind farms and nature development.