A 125-million-year-old fossil of a 'pregnant' shellfish, Margaritifera valdensis, has been discovered on the Isle of Wight, England. The fossil contains preserved soft tissues, including embryos and larvae, providing the earliest evidence of maternal care in these ancient creatures.
Australia is restoring its critically endangered shellfish reefs, which once filtered seawater and protected coastlines, by recycling oyster and mussel shells from restaurants. The initiative, backed by the government and UN, has already boosted fish populations and water quality, aiming to recover 30% of lost reefs by 2030.
Ecuador's booming shrimp industry is driving deforestation of vital mangrove ecosystems, impacting shellfish gatherers and local communities. Despite regulations, mangrove clearing and pollution from farms continue, with weak enforcement and limited political will hindering conservation efforts.
A massive bloom of common octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) in UK waters, first seen in Devon and Cornwall in 2025, has spread to Scotland and Wales, impacting the fishing industry and marine ecosystem due to warming seas.
UK and EU near finalising sanitary and phytosanitary agreement to reduce Brexit trade barriers. Deal would end physical checks on farm produce and £200 veterinary certificates, potentially reopening Scottish langoustine and mollusc exports. However, customs, VAT and safety declarations would remain. Labour proposes dynamic alignment with 76 EU food laws.
The UK and EU are close to finalising a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement to reduce Brexit trade barriers. The deal would end physical checks on farm produce and eliminate £200 veterinary certificates, while potentially removing "Not for EU" labelling requirements. It could significantly boost Scottish langoustine and oyster exports, though customs, VAT and safety declarations will still be required. The agreement involves "dynamic alignment" with EU rules, though critics argue the UK has leverage for a mutual recognition approach instead.
