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Pearl oyster off Mallorca's coasts: How the warm sea is changing the island

Pearl Oyster in Mallorca: What It Means

The pearl oyster Pinctada radiata is appearing in the western Mediterranean; researchers warn of potential ecological changes.

Published: August 20, 2026
Pearl oyster off Mallorca's coasts: How the warm sea is changing the island

Answer

What is the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata and why is it appearing around Mallorca?

Pinctada radiata is a warm-water oyster that originated in the Red Sea and reached the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal in the 19th century. New monitoring shows its larvae at many sampling points, offering an early-warning signal even if ecological impact isn’t yet known. This points to shifts in Mallorca’s seas due to climate change.

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