Effect of simulated prolonged heat wave on biometric performance and HSP70 synthesis in the striped venus clam Chamelea gallina

In the current scenario of climate change and ocean warming, it is crucial to understand how the fishing and shellfish industries will be affected by extreme weather events. This study simulated a 30-day heat wave at 28 °C to better understand the response of one particular breed of clam (Chamelea gallina) to future stress from extreme heat waves, and how such stress might affect its feeding ability. Biometric parameters, physiological indices, and HSP70 expression in the adductor muscle were analyzed. Results showed no significant changes in condition index. They revealed a stabilized hepatosomatic index decrease after 10 days of exposure, and an initial increase in resistance to air exposure and stable clearance rate. The study demonstrates that heat waves have a minimal impact on overall clam physiology, confirmed by an unchanged expression of HSP70. C. gallina proves resistant to prolonged thermal stress, possibly due to an adaptation to its native Mediterranean habitat. These findings suggest that the striped venus clam fishing sector may not be significantly threatened by similar extreme heating events in future.