In the face of an increasing world population and a subsequent need for an increase in sustainable and healthy food production, low trophic species, such as oysters, emerge as a promising alternative. However, regional variations in oyster production techniques, market dynamics, and consumption patterns create challenges for both the global and local industry’s growth. In this study, a descriptive qualitative analysis of oyster markets across seven Atlantic regions was carried out. The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was found to be farmed in most Atlantic regions except the US but is classified as invasive in Sweden and potentially invasive in South Africa. Other farmed and/or harvested species include native species (C. gasar and C. rhizophorae) in Brazil, the American cupped oyster (C. virginica) in the US, and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in France, Sweden, and the US. In Irish farms, Pacific oysters are primarily for export to European markets. The marine aquaculture sectors of Sweden, South Africa, and Namibia, as well as Brazil’s farming for C. gasar, were found to be underdeveloped. This study also observed a variation in licensing, property rights, and regulatory frameworks. Financial challenges for small businesses, ecological implications of seed production techniques, biosecurity risks, and public health considerations are emphasized as critical areas for attention. This study offers valuable insights into the selected markets and can serve as a useful resource for policymakers, aquaculture practitioners, and stakeholders in optimizing global shellfish industry strategies.

Studies investigating microplastics (MPs) in marine species have been published over recent decades, including studies on depuration efficacy on aquaculture products. This preliminary study investigates the depuration efficacy of MPs in two commercial oyster species from Ireland. The innovative aspects are the sampling size (n = 50 per species) and the experiment duration (up to 96 h). The case study organisms are the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis). Prior to depuration, the mean MP concentration on M. gigas edible tissue was 0.6 MP g⁻¹ while for O. edulis was 0.4 MP g⁻¹. Significant differences in mean MP concentrations were identified after 96‐h for M. gigas 0.2 MP g⁻¹ (p = 0.014) and O. edulis, 0.1 MP g⁻¹ (p = 0.003). Additionally, no significant correlation was established between MP concentrations and edible tissue weight. Polymer identification revealed that 51.6% were fibers of natural origin. Preliminary results show that increasing depuration times beyond 72‐h can significantly reduce MPs in selected oyster species, which is what is being recommended with this baseline study. Further investigation on commercial conditions at adequate depuration facilities is required. Given the relevance of low‐trophic aquaculture species for local economies, this preliminary study provides important baseline information for stakeholders.

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