Effects of climate change-induced dissolved oxygen changes on the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves

Bivalves are an important alternative source of natural dietary source of unsaturated fatty acids for humans. Although many meta-analysis studies have shown that climate change drivers, especially ocean warming and ocean acidification, can affect the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves, very little is known about how changes in oceanic dissolved oxygen (DO), another important driver of climate change, influence the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves. In this context, this study aims to investigate the effects of climate change-induced dissolved oxygen changes on the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves through a meta-analysis. The impact of changing DO on bivalve nutrition varies by region and species. Generally, lower DO levels negatively affect lipid quality in tropical species but can improve it for temperate species. Subtropical species show a mixed response, where a small DO decrease is detrimental but a large one can be beneficial. Oysters are an exception, as their lipid quality declines under low DO in all regions. The findings of this study not only fill the knowledge gap regarding the effects of climate change on the lipid nutritional quality of bivalves but also provide important guidance to bivalve aquaculturists and farm managers in formulating management strategies for both bivalve aquaculture and fisheries.