Kinga
Wrona

 'It’s no longer a theory' (ongoing), aims to visualize the changes in the ecosystems of Galician estuaries in the North of Spain that are being impacted by the climate crisis. These estuaries are among the marine ecosystems with the highest ecological diversity on the planet. Despite their significance, they are under continuous threats that jeopardize their survival.

The adverse changes have had a profound effect on the seafood collectors sector, which reported losses of approximately 10 million euros in 2022. Over the past two decades, there has been a 73% decline in clam production and a 77% decrease in cockle yields. Elevated water temperatures, which surpassed 20 degrees in July 2023, intense rainfall affecting sea salinity, and a surge in invasive species are evident indicators of the transformation occurring in the Galician river ecosystems.

A community of over 4,000 seafood harvesters relies on these rivers for their livelihood. They are the backbone of the economy in this region of Galicia. The future of shellfish farming in Galicia is teetering on the edge, with time being its only lifeline.