Projecting expected growth period of bivalves in a coastal temperate sea

The impact of climate warming on coastal benthic fauna is already observed, but forecasting their long-term fate remains challenging. This study uses δ¹⁸O_shell data of specimens of five bivalve species collected at six locations and results from kilometer-scale atmosphere–ocean climate model for the time intervals of 1987–2017 and 2070–2100, to estimate changes in bivalve growth phenology. All species will benefit from climate warming during winter, experiencing a longer growing season than currently. The growth of Aequipecten opercularis, Flexopecten glaber, and Pecten jacobaeus will decrease in summer, resulting in up to 3 months of reduced growth per year. Glycymeris pilosa and Venus verrucosa in the southern Adriatic Sea will be more affected than those in the north, with up to 4 months longer annual growth. These findings can inform adaptation plans for bivalve management in the Adriatic Sea but also in areas where the studied species are present.