Mystery worm is affecting oysters in Washington

Mud worms are parasites that dwell in oyster shells. They bore into the shell and make a house there, which will get full of mud and excrement from the tiny worms. Whereas they don’t seem to be dangerous to people, mud worms could make oysters much less interesting and likewise have an effect on the shellfish’s capacity to develop. These results are an issue for the trade.

Whereas mud worms have been present in oysters in California and Oregon, for a very long time, Washington aquaculture farms have been spared. That modified just a few years in the past. However the mud worms affecting oysters off of Washington’s coast are a unique species than scientists have ever seen earlier than.

Researchers on the College of Washington College of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences are looking for out whether or not the brand new species is invasive, or an historic native species that has lain dormant for hundreds of years. Julieta Martinelli is a postdoctoral researcher on the College of Washington. She joins us to share her efforts to unravel the mud worm thriller.

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