Hitchhikers on dead shells: an unanticipated pathway of alien species invasion associated with discarded seafood remains at oyster tasting sites
Journal: NeoBiota
Year: 2025

Shellfish mariculture, particularly of oysters, poses a significant risk for the introduction of non-native species into marine ecosystems. This study investigates the diversity of invertebrate species colonizing live and discarded oyster shells originating from a farm and oyster bar in the Tylihul Estuary, a region with active oyster farming. Advanced molecular techniques identified several invasive species associated with the discarded shells, including Semibalanus balanoides , Austrominius mo