Adenylic-derived indices and reburying time as indicators of the effects of dredging-induced stress on the clam Spisula solida
2003
Teodosio, Maria | Araújo Amaral, Ana Margarida | Condinho, S. | Alves, Filipe | Regala, J. | Gaspar, M. | Chícharo, Luís
Little attention has been given to the behavioural and physiological effects of dredging on clams. The response of the clam Spisula solida under stress imposed by dredging activity is analysed in terms of reburial time and two acute indices: AEC (adenylic energetic charge) and ATP per milligram dry weight. Stress on undersized (<25 mm) S. solida, due to habitat disturbance by dredging itself and subsequent aerial exposure was measured with in situ studies during September 1999 at Vilamoura, a bivalve sandy ground, off the southern coast of Portugal. The study showed significant increases in reburial time and a decrease in adenylic-derived indices of stressed bivalves compared with in situ control bivalves monitored by SCUBA divers. It was concluded that the stress caused by dredging affects the behavioural and physiological responses of S. solida. Moreover, the reburial time is an easy and valuable indicator of stress levels in the studied clam.
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