Scallops in fluctuating temperature gradient

Scallop SOS: How Temperature Swings Threaten Your Seafood Favorites

Avery Sinclair in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the Surprising Effects of Temperature on Scallop Health and What it Means for Sustainable Seafood"

Scallops, those delicate and delicious bivalves, are more than just a culinary delight; they're also indicators of ocean health. Among the various scallop species, the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) holds a special place, particularly in the northern regions of China, where it's a significant part of the aquaculture industry.

However, these cold-water-loving creatures are facing a growing threat: rapid and unpredictable temperature fluctuations in their marine habitats. These changes, often caused by phenomena like the Northern Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (NYSCWM), can dramatically impact the scallops' physiology and biochemistry, leading to mass mortalities and economic losses for scallop farmers.

New research sheds light on just how sensitive Yesso scallops are to these temperature swings. By examining the scallops' physiological and biochemical responses to acute temperature changes, scientists are uncovering the mechanisms behind their thermal tolerance and exploring potential strategies for managing scallop mortality. Understanding these impacts is vital for seafood enthusiasts and those invested in preserving marine ecosystems alike.

How Do Temperature Swings Affect Scallop Physiology?

Scallops in fluctuating temperature gradient

To understand the impact of temperature fluctuations on scallops, researchers simulated summer conditions by exposing Yesso scallops to sudden temperature changes. One group of scallops was transferred from 23°C to 15°C (Tdec treatment), mimicking a sudden temperature drop. Another group experienced a temperature increase from 15°C to 23°C (Tinc treatment). The study tracked several key indicators to assess the scallops' response:

The study revealed that both a sudden decrease and increase in temperature significantly disrupt the scallops' physiological processes. Some of the most notable effects were observed in:

Oxygen Consumption: Scallops in the Tdec group showed a significant decrease in oxygen consumption, while those in the Tinc group experienced a dramatic increase, particularly in the initial hours.
Ammonia-N Excretion: Similarly, ammonia-N excretion rates decreased in the Tdec group but increased in the Tinc group, highlighting the disruption in their metabolic processes.
O/N Ratio: The O/N ratio, which indicates the type of substrate being metabolized (protein, lipids, or carbohydrates), was also affected. Scallops in the Tdec group showed higher O/N ratios, suggesting an increased reliance on carbon-based substrate metabolism during colder temperatures.

These changes indicate that scallops struggle to maintain normal metabolic functions when faced with abrupt temperature changes. The energy conservation strategies and metabolic shifts observed are likely attempts to cope with the increased stress.

What's Next for Scallops and the Future of Seafood?

Understanding how Yesso scallops respond to temperature stress is a critical step towards ensuring the sustainability of scallop aquaculture. As climate change continues to impact ocean temperatures, developing strategies to mitigate these effects will become even more important. Further research into the thermal tolerance mechanisms of scallops, along with improved aquaculture practices, can help safeguard these valuable marine resources for future generations. Next time you savor a scallop dish, remember the intricate interplay between ocean health and the food on your plate. By supporting sustainable seafood practices, you can contribute to the well-being of marine ecosystems and the continued enjoyment of these culinary treasures.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00343-019-7245-7, Alternate LINK

Title: Response Of Yesso Scallop Patinopecten Yessoensis To Acute Temperature Challenge: Physiological And Biochemical Parameters

Subject: Water Science and Technology

Journal: Journal of Oceanology and Limnology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Weiwei Jiang, Meirong Du, Jianguang Fang, Yaping Gao, Yuze Mao, Qionglin Chen, Fan Lin, Zengjie Jiang

Published: 2018-11-19

Everything You Need To Know

How do abrupt temperature changes affect the oxygen consumption and metabolic processes of Yesso scallops?

Temperature swings significantly impact the physiology of Yesso scallops. A sudden decrease in temperature (Tdec treatment) leads to a reduction in oxygen consumption and ammonia-N excretion, while a sudden increase (Tinc treatment) causes a dramatic increase in both. The O/N ratio also changes, indicating a shift in metabolic processes, with scallops relying more on carbon-based substrates during colder temperatures. These disruptions highlight the challenges Yesso scallops face in maintaining normal metabolic functions under abrupt temperature variations.

What is the Northern Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (NYSCWM) and why is it a threat to Yesso scallop aquaculture?

The Northern Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (NYSCWM) is a phenomenon that causes rapid temperature fluctuations in the marine habitats of Yesso scallops. These fluctuations can dramatically impact the scallops' physiology and biochemistry, leading to mass mortalities and economic losses for scallop farmers. The NYSCWM is a major environmental stressor that threatens the sustainability of Yesso scallop aquaculture.

What does the O/N ratio indicate about the metabolic response of Yesso scallops to temperature changes, and why is it important?

The O/N ratio is a key indicator of metabolic processes in Yesso scallops, reflecting the type of substrate being metabolized, such as protein, lipids, or carbohydrates. A higher O/N ratio in the Tdec group suggests an increased reliance on carbon-based substrate metabolism during colder temperatures. Changes in the O/N ratio indicate that scallops are adjusting their energy usage to cope with temperature-induced stress, revealing their physiological response to environmental changes.

What measures can be taken to protect Yesso scallops from the negative effects of temperature swings and ensure the sustainability of scallop aquaculture?

To mitigate the impact of temperature swings on Yesso scallops, it's crucial to support sustainable aquaculture practices. This includes further research into the thermal tolerance mechanisms of scallops and the development of strategies to help them cope with temperature stress. Improved aquaculture practices can also help safeguard these valuable marine resources for future generations, ensuring the sustainability of scallop aquaculture in the face of climate change.

Besides oxygen consumption, ammonia-N excretion, and O/N ratio, what other physiological or biological aspects of Yesso scallops are not covered in the research but could be important for understanding their response to temperature stress?

The research primarily focuses on oxygen consumption, ammonia-N excretion, and the O/N ratio to gauge the scallops' physiological response to temperature changes. While these indicators provide valuable insights into metabolic stress, the study does not delve into other potential impacts such as immune response, reproductive capacity, or long-term genetic adaptation. Further research in these areas would provide a more comprehensive understanding of how temperature fluctuations affect Yesso scallops and inform more effective conservation strategies.