# Italian aquaculture heatwave and mortality crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-aquaculture-heatwave-and-mortality-crisis > Updated: 2026-09-05T13:36:11.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Extreme sea temperatures in Italy have caused severe damage to the aquaculture sector. In late July, water temperatures at the Bocca Scanno station reached a record 33.2 degrees Celsius. This heat, alongside poor water circulation and oxygen deficiency, resulted in mortality rates of up to 90 percent for clam and mussel populations in areas such as the Sacca di Goro and the Po Delta. In response to these massive die-offs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry adjusted compensation criteria under the PN FEAMPA 2021-2027 program. To ensure businesses are not unfairly penalized by the lack of 2025 production caused by the 2024 heatwave, the Ministry authorized using 2023 production levels as the reference for calculating indemnities. Beyond immediate mortality and the presence of the blue crab, officials have expressed concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the sector and the potential for reduced European Union funding in future financial frameworks. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Italian aquaculture sector secures adjusted compensation for shellfish mortality Italian shellfish farmers have secured a change in compensation rules after mass mortality events caused by rising water temperatures made 2025 production levels an unfair metric for financial aid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-aquaculture-sector-secures-adjusted-compensation-for-shellfish-mortality ### 2026-09-05: Italy sea temperatures reach 33.2°C, impacting aquaculture Extreme sea temperatures reaching 33.2°C in Italy's Sacca di Goro have caused up to 90% losses in clam and mussel aquaculture due to oxygen deficiency and heat. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-sea-temperatures-reach-332c-impacting-aquaculture --- Cite as: Italian aquaculture heatwave and mortality crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-aquaculture-heatwave-and-mortality-crisis