Effects of Rising Temperatures on Byssal Fiber Strength and Population Stability in the California Mussel
Katherine Tae, Rudransh Arora, Ethan Li, Tara Chen
Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA, USA
North London Collegiate School Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
Yorba Linda High School, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
Publication date: July 10, 2026
Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA, USA
North London Collegiate School Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
Yorba Linda High School, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
Publication date: July 10, 2026
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2026I36
ABSTRACT
Mussels of the genus Mytilus, including the California mussel (Mytilus californianus), are common inhabitants of intertidal zones worldwide. These organisms remain anchored to rocky substrates using a network of proteinaceous adhesive fibers called byssal threads. While previous studies have examined the general effects of climate change on M. californianus, limited research has focused specifically on how increasing temperatures affect the structural integrity of their byssal fibers. To investigate this relationship, we measured the tensile strength of byssal threads exposed to varying temperatures. Additionally, Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) imaging was employed to assess environmental conditions and mussel distribution across 16 accessible columns beneath the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. Our experimental results revealed a positive correlation between temperature and byssal thread strength; as temperature increased, so did the force required to break the fibers. However, environmental modeling based on FLIR data indicated a projected decline in mussel coverage with rising temperatures. These findings suggest that although individual fibers may strengthen with heat, broader ecological stressors could still reduce mussel populations. Understanding the nuanced responses of these keystone species to climate change is essential for predicting and mitigating its impact on intertidal ecosystems.
Mussels of the genus Mytilus, including the California mussel (Mytilus californianus), are common inhabitants of intertidal zones worldwide. These organisms remain anchored to rocky substrates using a network of proteinaceous adhesive fibers called byssal threads. While previous studies have examined the general effects of climate change on M. californianus, limited research has focused specifically on how increasing temperatures affect the structural integrity of their byssal fibers. To investigate this relationship, we measured the tensile strength of byssal threads exposed to varying temperatures. Additionally, Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) imaging was employed to assess environmental conditions and mussel distribution across 16 accessible columns beneath the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. Our experimental results revealed a positive correlation between temperature and byssal thread strength; as temperature increased, so did the force required to break the fibers. However, environmental modeling based on FLIR data indicated a projected decline in mussel coverage with rising temperatures. These findings suggest that although individual fibers may strengthen with heat, broader ecological stressors could still reduce mussel populations. Understanding the nuanced responses of these keystone species to climate change is essential for predicting and mitigating its impact on intertidal ecosystems.
