New genetic research shows Colombia’s vital piangua shellfish faces extinction due to overharvesting, threatening coastal communities’ livelihoods.
Why it matters: The piangua shellfish is both a crucial food source and economic driver for Colombia’s Pacific coast communities. Its decline could devastate local economies and disrupt marine ecosystems.
- Exports jumped from 100 tons in 1980 to 3,000 tons by 2004, pushing the species onto Colombia’s endangered list.
Key finding: DNA analysis revealed significant genetic diversity loss and high inbreeding rates in piangua populations, with some areas seeing a 60% population decline.
“While piangua populations have been stable for over 100,000 years, recent decades of intensive harvesting have taken their toll.”
Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute
The process:
- Scientists conducted first-ever genetic mapping of piangua
- Analyzed DNA from two key Pacific coast locations
- Discovered distinct genetic variations between populations
Keep in mind: Despite living in connected waters, different piangua populations maintain unique genetic adaptations to local environments.
Real-world impact: This research enables:
- Development of conservation strategies
- Better-informed restoration programs
TL;DR
- Colombia’s essential piangua shellfish shows dangerous population decline and genetic diversity loss.
- First-ever genetic study reveals unexpected local adaptations between populations.
- Research provides crucial data for developing conservation strategies to save both species and livelihoods.
Dive Deeper
Read the Paper: Genetic diversity of Anadara tuberculosa in two localities of the Colombian Pacific Coast
News Release: Bioeconomy in Colombia: The Race to Save Colombia’s Vital Shellfish