1. Aspects of the biology and Pathology of Cerastoderma edule in the Irish sea
Cerastoderma edule, the common cockle - abundant infaunal bivalve.
Recruitment declines following milder winters.
Reports in Ireland and Europe of mass surfacing and mortalities.
Aims and Objectives
Investigate population structure and gametogenesis.
Compare the prevalence of pathogens and pathological conditions between sites.
Acquire baseline data and hypothesize the future effects of climate change.
E. Morgan, R.M O’Riordan, S.C. Culloty
Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork.

2. Results and Future work
Ripening and spawning occurred - different temperatures between years.
Cockle gametogenesis extended compared to other historical studies – effect of climate change?
Several parasites identified at both sites.
Disseminated neoplasia and digenean trematodes differ significantly between surfaced and buried cockles.