Heatwaves Affect the Gonadal Maturation of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Abstract

Climate-induced ocean warming poses a major threat to marine invertebrate reproduction, including the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, a species of considerable ecological, economic, and scientific interest. Its gonads, highly valued as a culinary delicacy, support local fisheries and aquaculture industries, making reproductive health a critical factor for both conservation and commercial viability. The present study reported the effects of elevated seawater temperatures, mimicking marine heatwave (MHW) conditions, on gonadal maturation and fertilization success on P. lividus. Here, adult specimens at the mature stage of gametogenesis were exposed to control (18 °C) and elevated temperature regimes (24 °C) over a six-week period, and key reproductive metrics were assessed, including histological analysis. Morphological analysis showed very evident gonadal retraction, nearly devoid of germ cells, both for males and females, with a significant decrease in the gonadal index. In addition, histological analysis revealed consistent damage to the gonads, with a significantly increase in histopathological index in specimens kept at 24 °C. These findings reinforce the temperature sensitivity of P. lividus reproduction, suggesting that recurrent heatwaves could severely impair its reproductive output and population dynamics with potential cascading effects on benthic community structure in a long-term ocean warming predicted to intensify.

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