Croatian biologists tackle an underwater pandemic

A race to save the pen shell

the Mediterranean's largest clam

Location: Pula, Croatia

Marine biologists are struggling

to save the species from extinction

after a huge fall in numbers

likely caused by a deadly pathogen

The pen shell plays an important role

in the ecosystem by filtering sea water

(SOUNDBITE) (Croatian) HEAD OF THE INVERTEBRATES SECTION AT CROATIAN INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, LUKA KATUSIC, SAYING:

"The first evidence of the mass mortality of pinna nobilis was recorded in 2016 in Spain and has since spread quickly across the Mediterranean. In our country, it was first spotted in May 2019 and by spring 2020 it covered the entire Croatian part of the Adriatic. Mortality is extremely high and it has been proven that in localities where the causative agent of the disease appears, it can cause 100% death or extinction of pinna nobilis."

A year ago biologists tried to save

some 300 seemingly healthy specimens

but they were already infected

and fewer than 30 remain alive

Quote: "As things appear now, it will be very difficult to save the pen shells. It is already difficult to find living specimens in the sea. Sadly, all this may mean the disappearance of a species." Zarko Jakovic, Biology Engineer, Pula Aquarium