There is a global need to sustainably increase aquaculture production to meet the needs of a growing popula- tion. Bivalve shellfish aquaculture is highly attractive from a human nutrition, economic, environmental and ecosystem standpoint. However, bivalve industry growth is falling behind fish aquaculture due to critical prob- lems in the production process. Feed defects, disease, and quality issues are limiting production. New advances in microencapsulation technology have great potential to tackle these problems. Microencapsulated diets could efficiently deliver high-quality nutrients, disease control agents, and quality enhancers to bivalves. Microencap- sulation has the potential to drive improvements in bivalve production, reduce production costs, enhance human nutrition and minimise impacts on the environment.