Marine bivalves are one of the most popular and iconic seafoods. They are found all over the world and marine bivalve aquaculture is an expanding industry globally. However, bivalve farming is constantly at risk because of its high dependency on environmental conditions and bivalves are particularly susceptible to environmental contaminants as they filter large volumes of seawater to feed and at the same time may concentrate pathogens and biotoxins (released by red algae blooms) that can cause disease and food-borne poisoning in humans. Therefore, to predict or mitigate the consequences of disease on bivalve aquaculture productivity and food-safety, is a major priority. Bivalves respond to pathogens through a non-specific innate immune defense mechanism. Recently, it was suggested that although lacking an acquired immune system, immune memory is possible in invertebrates including bivalves. This revolutionary shift in the accepted paradigm if proven creates opportunities for innovative and sustainable approaches to strengthen and improve the immune response of bivalves.