Resumen de Stress studies on the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule L) in Southampton Water

A. Savari, C. Sylvestre, M. Sheader, Y. Le Gal, A. P. M. Lockwood

• Ecophysiological and biochemical criteria have been used to study the effects of stress on the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) at two sites in Southampton Water. Variations in the population structure, biomass and production were observed. These inter-site differences seem to be attributable to differences in pollution load (especially that due to copper and hydrocarbons) and type of sediment at the two locations. The adenylate energy charge (AEC) was high and differed little between the sites. It is concluded that, for cockles, population criteria are more reliable stress indices than unsupported AEC measurements.