Solar UV radiation modulates animal health and pathogen prevalence in coastal habitats—knowledge gaps and implications for bivalve aquaculture

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important environmental factor that can have an impact directly, or indirectly, on the health of organisms. UVR also has the potential to inactivate pathogens in surface waters. As a result, UVR can alter host-pathogen relationships. Bivalve species are threatened by various pathogens. Here, we assessed the impacts of UVR on (i) bivalves, (ii) bivalve pathogens and (iii) the bivalve host-pathogen relationship. UVR consistently impedes pathogens. However, the effect of UVR on marine animals is variable, with both positive and negative impacts. The limited available data allude to the potential to exploit natural UVR for disease management in aquaculture, but also highlight a striking knowledge gap and uncertainty relating to climate change.

Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2021

“…Thus, climate change-related increases in heavy precipitation may act as a double-edged sword by increasing the refuge for UV-sensitive pathogens from disinfecting UV radiation and by creating more suitable habitats for mosquitoes, which are important vectors of disease in many regions of the world. In a related review about the prevalence of pathogens in shellfish aquaculture, the interactive effects of climate change and solar UV radiation on prevalence was identified as an important knowledge gap [ 153 ]. Collectively, these studies identify a critical role of UV-B radiation in regulating coastal and inland aquatic ecosystem services, including the threat of water-borne and vector-borne diseases to humans and wildlife, as well as to aquaculture and food security.…”