Spatial subsidies are associated with pronounced ecosystem responses, as nutrients cross ecological boundaries and cascade through food webs. While the importance of subsidies is known, the role of shellfish, specifically molluscs, as a marine subsidy has not been formally described. Focusing primarily on the Pacific coast of North America, we identify vectors that transport shellfish‐derived nutrients into coastal terrestrial environments, including birds, mammals, and over 13 000 yr of marine resource use by people. Evidence from recipient ecosystems suggests shellfish drastically influence soil chemistry, forest productivity and the diversity of primary producers at the regional and landscape level. Responses in higher trophic levels have not yet been investigated, but given documented responses in lower trophic levels, this may be due to a lack of examination. To determine if the processes we describe within the northeast Pacific are pertinent to coastal environments worldwide, we also explore shellfish subsidies globally, with a specific focus on temperate and tropical islands. As shellfish are not as spatially or temporally constrained as other subsidies, our examination suggests our findings are applicable to many other geographical regions along the marine–terrestrial interface.

中文翻译：

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北美太平洋沿岸的贝类补贴

空间补贴与明显的生态系统反应相关，因为营养物质跨越生态边界并通过食物网级联。虽然补贴的重要性众所周知，但贝类，特别是软体动物作为海洋补贴的作用尚未得到正式描述。主要关注北美太平洋沿岸，我们确定了将贝类来源的营养物质运输到沿海陆地环境中的载体，包括鸟类、哺乳动物和人类超过 13000 年的海洋资源使用。来自接收生态系统的证据表明，贝类在区域和景观层面极大地影响了土壤化学、森林生产力和初级生产者的多样性。尚未研究较高营养水平的反应，但鉴于已记录的较低营养水平的反应，这可能是由于缺乏检查。为了确定我们在东北太平洋内描述的过程是否与全球沿海环境相关，我们还在全球范围内探索贝类补贴，特别关注温带和热带岛屿。由于贝类在空间或时间上不像其他补贴那样受到限制，我们的研究表明我们的研究结果适用于海陆交界处的许多其他地理区域。