Po Delta heat and water shortage threaten shellfish farms and irrigation

Extreme heat has pushed water temperatures in the Po Delta to around 32 °C, triggering massive algal blooms that deplete oxygen and have caused widespread die‑off of mussels and clams. Fishermen report that up to 90 % of clam stocks have vanished in Goro and thousands of tonnes of DOP mussels have been lost. They are scrambling to remove the green mats, while the industry calls for engineering works to improve water exchange and prevent further habitat loss.

At the same time, the Po basin’s water reserves are critically low, with the regional observatory estimating only ten days of irrigation water remain. Saline water has advanced 20–25 km inland, prompting temporary withdrawal limits and emergency meetings in regions such as Piedmont and Lombardy. The shortage threatens agricultural production across northern Italy and raises concerns for drinking‑water supply and ecosystem health.