Croatian biologists tackle an underwater pandemic
A race to save the pen shell
the Mediterranean's largest clam
Location: Pula, Croatia
Marine biologists are struggling
to save the species from extinction
after a huge fall in numbers
likely caused by a deadly pathogen
The pen shell plays an important role
in the ecosystem by filtering sea water
(SOUNDBITE) (Croatian) HEAD OF THE INVERTEBRATES SECTION AT CROATIAN INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, LUKA KATUSIC, SAYING:
"The first evidence of the mass mortality of pinna nobilis was recorded in 2016 in Spain and has since spread quickly across the Mediterranean. In our country, it was first spotted in May 2019 and by spring 2020 it covered the entire Croatian part of the Adriatic. Mortality is extremely high and it has been proven that in localities where the causative agent of the disease appears, it can cause 100% death or extinction of pinna nobilis."
A year ago biologists tried to save
some 300 seemingly healthy specimens
but they were already infected
and fewer than 30 remain alive
Quote: "As things appear now, it will be very difficult to save the pen shells. It is already difficult to find living specimens in the sea. Sadly, all this may mean the disappearance of a species." Zarko Jakovic, Biology Engineer, Pula Aquarium