Scientists from Cardiff University and Stockholm University studying ocean clams (bivalves) and worms (polychaetes) in the Baltic Sea found that these ocean creatures release the strongest greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxides, into the water and the atmosphere.

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The greenhouse gases are produced by ocean worms and clams from the bacteria in their guts.

The Baltic Sea makes up only about 0.1% of the Earth's oceans.

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The scientists determined that 10% of the total methane emissions, roughly equivalent to the methane released by 20,000 dairy cows, from the Baltic Sea may be due to ocean clams and worms.

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According to Ernest Chi Fru, from Cardiff University, based on the results found in the Baltic Sea implies that worms and clams at the bottom of the world's oceans may indeed be contributing enormous amounts of unaccounted for greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The scientists concluded that areas of the oceans containing worms and clams release 8 times more methane than barren ocean areas.

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As an effective solution to such environmental impacts as fertilizer run-off, the farming of oysters, mussels, and clams has increased.

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Based on the Baltic Sea results researchers warn of the potential release of greenhouse gases as shellfish farming is expanded to large areas of the oceans.

Sources and Full Articles

Climate change clams: Baltic sea molluscs release as much greenhouse gas as 20,000 dairy cows, Gears of Biz, 15 October 2017

Not just humans, ocean critters also contribute to global warming – This is how, Z News, 15 October 2017

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