Response of aquatic organisms (fish) to climate change: metabolism, bioenergetics, and comparative physiology

• Grant number: 24/18364-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: March 09, 2025
• End date: April 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Adalberto Luis Val
• Grantee: Camila Prieto Martins
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA). Manaus , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Climate change is an increasing concern for aquatic organisms, especially fish vital for food security. Understanding the climate impacts on commercial species, such as tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), is crucial for their sustainability. Environmental changes can directly affect the metabolism and performance of these species, compromising productivity. This project investigates the impacts of climate change on tambaqui, acclimating juveniles in climate-controlled rooms with temperatures and CO¿ levels projected for 2100 by the IPCC. After chronic exposure, blood samples will be collected for hematological and plasma metabolite analyses. Additionally, liver, gills, and brain will be analyzed to study enzymatic responses related to energy metabolism, antioxidants, and cellular damage markers. The hypothesis is that exposure to simulated climate change conditions will alter zootechnical, metabolic, and hematological parameters, reducing zootechnical performance and increasing stress biomarkers, indicating adaptation to environmental stress. (AU)