Data from: Exploring thermal tolerance across time and space in a tropical bivalve, Pinctada margaritifera

Ectotherm vulnerability to climate change is predicted to increase with
temperature variation. Still, translating laboratory observations of
organisms’ heat-stress responses to the natural fluctuating environment
remains challenging. In this study, we used an integrative framework
combining insights from thermal death time (TDT) curves and physiological
reaction norms to precisely capture Pinctada margaritifera’s thermal
performance and tolerance landscape. We then applied this integrative
model to predict individuals’ cumulative heat injury as a function of
actual temperature conditions documented at five contrasting islands
across French Polynesia. Substantial injury was predicted for spats
(ranging from 30.24% to 29.62%) when exposed to eight consecutive extreme
low tide events in Nuku Hiva. Overall, this study highlights the potential
of this framework to effectively quantify the impact of extreme events,
such as marine heatwaves, and to guide resource management initiatives.