Crushed Shells on Beaches Shield Young Clams from Ocean Acidification, UC Davis Study Finds

A new study from the University of California, Davis, reveals how a long-standing Indigenous practice of adding crushed shells to beach sand helps protect young clams from ocean acidification. The research shows that the shells dissolve in acidic conditions, releasing calcium carbonate that buffers the surrounding water and provides a more favorable environment for shell-building animals like clams, oysters, and mussels. This natural mitigation strategy could be a low-cost, culturally aligned tool for coastal communities facing declining shellfish populations due to climate change. The findings underscore the value of traditional ecological knowledge in modern conservation. As ocean acidity rises, such nature-based solutions may become critical for sustaining marine life and the economies that depend on it.