Measuring the effects of temperature rise on Mediterranean shellfish aquaculture. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinez, Marco; Mangano, M. Cristina; Maricchiolo, Giulia; Genovese, Lucrezia; Mazzola, Antonio; Sarà, Gianluca
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 88(2018)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Thickness -- Body Condition -- Temperature increase -- Climate change -- Shellfish -- Aquaculture; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.01.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: Climate change will impair shellfish aquaculture through temperature increase. Morphology of shellfish valves is significantly affected by temperature. Thickness can be reliable and quick indicator of thermal effects. Temperature increase has negative effect in a co-occurrence to poor food conditions. Abstract: Shellfish aquaculture represents a worldwide valuable segment of the aquaculture market, spreading along the Mediterranean coasts, and is sensitive to the still unforeseen, poorly-known effects of climate change. Threats due to temperature rise can threaten the deployment and development of this sector, up until now recognised as the best candidate to mitigate the effects of fishery overexploitation. Here, we investigate the effects of temperature increase on the model species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, measuring outcomes from valve fragility (thickness) and condition index. Evidence of a reduction in the thickness of valves and the modulation condition of the mussels along with temperature increase have been gathered from simulations of a natural temperature gradient changing along latitude (the Italian Peninsula) and temperature risen (mesocosm trial). The obtained results offer a baseline to help the next generation of managers and stakeholders when assessing the reliability and feasibility of shellfish culture in a changing sea that can generate undetected and underestimated impacts on the sector.