Oyster mortality in summer is a global concern for the aquaculture industry. This issue can be getting worse and worse with global warming. Yan investigated the synergetic effect of spawning, food supply, pathogen and temperature on oyster morality in the laboratory and field. The results demonstrate that energy depletion during spawning compromises the metabolic and health status of oysters, leading to a possible mortality in summer for post-spawning oysters. This research contributes to our understanding of the mechanism of oyster mass mortality, and the results can be applied to the management and development of oyster aquaculture in Australia and overseas.