Are farmed oysters, mussels and clams the ultimate green foods?

image via New Scientist

September 1, 2025, 4:00 PM

• •Farmed oysters and mussels can be environmentally friendly due to their ability to clean water.
• •Researchers debate whether farmed bivalves capture carbon.
• •Studies on carbon capture by bivalves have flaws.
• •Bivalve farming emits a small amount of CO2 but is still one of the greenest foods.

Farmed bivalves like oysters and mussels are often considered environmentally friendly because they filter and clean water. Some studies suggest they might also capture carbon dioxide, but this claim is disputed. Fabrice Pernet reviewed numerous studies and found flaws in the carbon capture claims, arguing that the process may even release CO2. Despite the debate, bivalve farming remains a relatively green food option, emitting a small amount of CO2 compared to other food production methods.

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