The Galician shellfish industry, a cornerstone of Spain’s seafood economy, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Fishermen and industry leaders have raised concerns over the drastic decline in shellfish harvests from the Ría de Arousa, the largest and most productive estuary in Galicia.
The figures are alarming, with clam and razor clam catches plummeting in the past two seasons, leading to fears of an ecological and economic collapse.
Sharp drop in shellfish production and revenue
The Platform in Defence of the Ría de Arousa (PDRA), alongside shellfish harvesters and mussel farming associations, has sounded the alarm over the dramatic decrease in shellfish extraction. Recent data highlight a significant drop in revenue, with sales in 2024 reaching just €69 million—well below the five-year average of €85.2 million.
More worrying, however, is the collapse in shellfish production. The harvest of cockles in 2024 plunged by a staggering 93.7% compared to the 2019-2023 average, amounting to just 19 tonnes. Other key species, such as the fine clam and the carpet shell clam, saw declines of over 85%. Overall, bivalve production has fallen by 44.7% over the past five years, an alarming trend that threatens the long-term viability of the industry.
A crisis years in the making
This crisis has not emerged overnight. Industry representatives have been warning for years about the deteriorating health of the estuary. Reports from local media have documented declining seafood harvests across Galicia. In 2023, mussel production suffered its worst yield in a decade, down 23%, while the volume of octopus auctioned at Galician fish markets dropped by 46%.
The latest figures have now drawn the attention of the international press, with The Guardian highlighting the severity of the situation. Galicia is the world’s second-largest producer of mussels, trailing only China. Typically, 40% of Europe’s mussel production originates from Galicia, underscoring the region’s central role in the industry. The region’s 3,337 floating mussel farms, known as bateas, have long been a model of sustainable aquaculture. However, with production falling to just 178,065 tonnes in 2023—the lowest figure in 25 years—the future of the industry is increasingly uncertain.
Pollution and climate change as key threats
Experts and environmentalists point to a combination of pollution and climate change as the primary drivers of this crisis. Wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharge, including runoff from canneries, are polluting the estuary, causing long-term damage to the ecosystem. Marta Martín-Borregón of Greenpeace Spain told The Guardian that “the biggest issue is pollution from agricultural and industrial waste, which ends up in the estuary.”
Additionally, rising water temperatures are disrupting the delicate marine balance. Traditionally, Galicia’s estuaries benefited from cold, nutrient-rich waters, which supported shellfish growth. However, warming seas are making it harder for some species to survive. This phenomenon is particularly devastating for mussel farming, where seed shortages and temperature shifts have made production increasingly unpredictable.
Call for swift action
With thousands of livelihoods at stake, industry leaders and environmental organisations are urging swift action to address the crisis. María del Carmen, head of the Fishermen’s Brotherhood of San Martiño, has urgently appealed for assistance, stating, “We need help.” The brotherhood has requested that proper research be conducted to better understand and address the underlying issues affecting the estuary and the seafood industry as a whole.
Measures such as stricter pollution controls, enhanced conservation efforts, and climate adaptation strategies will be essential to restoring the health of the Ría de Arousa and securing the future of Galicia’s renowned shellfish industry.