Contrasting responsiveness of four ecologically and economically important bivalves to simulated heat waves

Heat waves are expected to increase in duration and frequency, impacting coastal ecosystems, especially intertidal organisms living near their thermal tolerance limits. Sedentary infaunal species are limited to some extent in escapes from sudden temperature changes, rather modifications to their physiology and behaviour are expected. This may lead to strong ecological and economic impacts on commercial bivalve species, such as Venerupis corrugata, Ruditapes decussatus, the introduced Ruditapes philippinarum and Cerastoderma edule, the most relevant in NW Spain. We investigated lethal and sublethal effects of heat during low tide on these species in the laboratory. Summer temperatures experienced within field, shallow sediments at approximately 2 cm depth i.e. 20 degrees C (control), 27 degrees C, 32 degrees C, and 37 degrees C, were replicated during four consecutive days and the diffusion of heat at the burrowing depth of each species was estimated; temperature exposure was expressed as degree hours above 22 degrees C. After two days of tidal exposure, C. edule and V. corrugata suffered significant mortalities, and also the most dramatic decrease in scope for growth (SFG) as well as reduction in burrowing activity. After four days under stress, all species had negative SFG. On recovery, species showed compensation at longer exposures, particularly C. edule. These effects of temperature on mortality, growth potential and burrowing ability may increase the time to achieve commercial size and exposure to predation. Particularly, V. corrugata, with a center of distribution lower in the intertidal and subtidal, and C. edule, shallower in the sediment, may be the most affected. Clearly the intensity and frequency of heat waves will affect these key species in the intertidal sediment flats changing ecosystem functioning and fisheries management strategies.

Automated summary

The study investigated the effects of heat waves on intertidal organisms, particularly commercial bivalve species like Cerastoderma edule and Venerupis corrugata. It found that high temperatures can lead to significant mortalities, reduced growth potential, and decreased burrowing activity in these species, impacting their commercial viability and ecosystem functioning. The intensity and frequency of heat waves are likely to affect these key species in intertidal sediment flats, highlighting the importance of effective fisheries management strategies.