Impact of temperature on Downs herring (Clupea harengus) embryonic stages: First insights from an experimental approach

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284125
• Publication Date: 2023-04-07T17:31:02Z
• Authors: Lola Toomey; Carolina Giraldo; Christophe Loots; Kélig Mahé; Paul Marchal; Kirsteen MacKenzie
• Keywords: Atlantic herring; Maternal effect; Life History Theory

Among all human-induced pressures, ocean warming is expected to be one of the major drivers change in marine ecosystems. Fish species are particularly vulnerable during embryogenesis. Here, impact temperature was assessed on embryonic stages Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), a high socio-economic interest, with particular focus under-studied eastern English Channel winter-spawning component (Downs herring). Key traits linked growth and development were experimentally evaluated at three temperatures (8°C, 10°C 14°C), from fertilization hatching, standardized controlled conditions. Overall negative impacts increased observed rate, mean egg diameter eyed stage, hatching rate yolk sac volume. A faster developmental stage frequency newly hatched larvae also higher temperature. Potential parental effects detected for four key (i.e. survival rate), despite limited number families. For instance, large variability among families shown (between 0 63%). relationships between maternal characteristics embryo therefore explored. We show that substantial proportion variance 31 70%) could explained by female attributes considered. More particularly, age, life history asymptotic average length Brody coefficient), condition important predictors traits. Overall, this study constitutes stepping-stone investigate potential consequences Downs recruitment provides first insights effects.