Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

Finalizado

Execution date:

2024

End date:

2025

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/momento-monitorizacion-en-tiempo-real-del-cultivo-de-mejillon-en-batea-herramientas-para

• Develop thermal stress indicators based on mussel behavior response in the laboratory
• Identify particular heat stress thresholds for mussel farming in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic
• To test the viability of the thermal stress monitoring system in the Atlantic demarcation (SPA Rías Baixas)
• To test the feasibility of the thermal stress monitoring system in the Mediterranean demarcation (RAMSAR Ebro Delta)
• Co-design adaptive management tools in the face of climate change, based on monitoring systems, involving all agents in the mushroom sector in an equitable way
• To promote decision-making based on scientific data for sustainable and inclusive management of the sector and to create synergies between production systems in the Atlantic and Mediterranean demarcations

• Laboratory development to parameterize mussel thermal stress responses with this technology, taking into account the different stress tolerance that could exist between Mediterranean and Atlantic populations.
• These laboratory experiences would be the basis for the development of Machine Learning algorithms for the automatic detection of thermal stress episodes. Next, the effectiveness of this development in farming systems in the Galician Rías (A2) and the Ebro Delta (A3) would be tested, in locations that, although designated as protected areas (ES0000499-SPA Marine Space of the Rías Baixas de Galicia; 593-RAMSAR Delta del Ebro), concentrate most of the mussel production in Spain.
• At the same time, it is proposed to integrate the mussel aquaculture sector throughout the process, to encourage them in the co-design and use of adaptive management tools, as well as to promote digitalization and the development of new capacities, which encourage new vocations in the sector and a more effective integration of different groups.

During the development of the MoMeNtO project, experimental research in the laboratory has been integrated in a coordinated way with its validation in real culture conditions, in close collaboration with the mussel farming sector. This approach has made it possible to generate applied scientific knowledge and, at the same time, to develop practical tools aimed at improving the sustainability and adaptive capacity of mussel farming in the face of the challenges associated with climate change.

In the laboratory setting, tests were carried out under controlled conditions with the aim of analysing the physiological response of the mussel to different thermal scenarios. To do this, advanced sensors capable of monitoring valve behavior in real time were used, complemented by biochemical and histological analyses. The results obtained showed that, from 20 ºC, relevant physiological alterations begin to occur that intensify significantly when the temperature exceeds 24 ºC. Likewise, it was observed that mussels of Atlantic origin have a slightly higher thermal sensitivity compared to Mediterranean mussels.

These alterations manifest themselves in multiple ways. A reduction in feeding activity was detected, leading to a loss of body condition, as well as a decrease in the ability to fix to the substrate, related to the lower tenacity of the byssus. In addition, there is a reduced capacity to respond to other stressors, which is reflected in the decrease in the activity of certain enzymes and an increase in the number of lesions detected by histological analysis. In addition, changes in valvar behavior were detected, especially in the ability to close. The integration of all these indicators made it possible to develop thermal stress indices based on the behavior of the valves, as well as to identify critical temperature thresholds and propose adaptive management tools based on these indicators.

Once these indicators were established in the laboratory, the project moved towards their validation in real cultivation conditions, both in the rafts of the Rías Baixas, in the Atlantic, and in the production systems of the Ebro Delta, in the Mediterranean. The implementation of valve behavior monitoring systems in these environments confirmed the close relationship between this behavior and water temperature, as well as validating the consistency of other physiological indicators of heat stress, such as feeding activity or the presence of lesions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of transferring this type of technology based on the behaviour of bivalves to real production contexts, facilitating continuous and reliable monitoring of the physiological state of the mussel.

At the same time, the project has had an active involvement of the mussel farming sector through the organisation of participatory workshops, surveys and technical meetings with local producers. This collaboration process has been key to designing tools adjusted to the real needs of the sector, which aim to improve crop management from a sustainable and efficient perspective and define a roadmap aimed at the implementation of management systems based on continuous observation. As a result, the advances made lay the foundations for implementing thermal stress monitoring systems in farmed bivalves and optimizing management decision-making for these crops through the use of real-time data, moving towards a more resilient and sustainable production model.