Introduction to provisioning services

Abstract

Food provisioning is a prominent feature of marine bivalve production, applicable worldwide since ancient times. Easy accessibility of this food source and high nutritional value make bivalves a possible driver in human evolution. In this section bivalve meat production is addressed, as well as other provisioning services including pearls and bio-active compounds. In both bivalve aquaculture and fisheries, harvest and production for meat provisioning must be balanced against carrying capacity and its implications for other services including water quality maintenance and habitat structure. Provisioning of meat through aquaculture can be improved via hatchery and breeding advances, a necessity in the changing ocean climate.