Depth segregation phenomenon in <i>Donax trunculus</i> (Bivalvia: Donacidae) populations of the Algarve coast (southern Portugal)

Miguel B. Gaspar; Luis M. Chícharo; Paulo Vasconcelos; Alexandra García; Ana R. Santos; Carlos C. Monteiro

doi:10.3989/scimar.2002.66n2111

Depth segregation phenomenon in Donax trunculus (Bivalvia: Donacidae) populations of the Algarve coast (southern Portugal)

Authors

Miguel B. Gaspar Instituto de Investigação das Pescas e do Mar (IPIMAR), Centro Regional de Investigação Pesqueira do Sul (CRIPSul)
Luis M. Chícharo Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (FCMA)
Paulo Vasconcelos Instituto de Investigação das Pescas e do Mar (IPIMAR), Centro Regional de Investigação Pesqueira do Sul (CRIPSul)
Alexandra García Instituto de Investigação das Pescas e do Mar (IPIMAR), Centro Regional de Investigação Pesqueira do Sul (CRIPSul)
Ana R. Santos Universidade do Algarve (UAlg), Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (FCMA)
Carlos C. Monteiro Instituto de Investigação das Pescas e do Mar (IPIMAR), Centro Regional de Investigação Pesqueira do Sul (CRIPSul)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2002.66n2111

Keywords:

Bivalvia, Donacidae, Donax trunculus, wedge clam, depth segregation, relative growth, management measures, Portugal

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate the existence of depth segregation between size classes of Donax trunculus populations that occur along the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Five collecting areas were sampled in the Ria Formosa barrier islands, namely in the Culatra, Barreta and Armona Islands, between March and June 1998. The study was based on size frequency distribution analysis and shell biometric relationships. The size frequency distribution showed the predominance of smaller individuals (< 25 mm) in the renewal area (0.5-1.0 m depth) and the prevalence of larger individuals (? 25 mm) at greater depths (4.0-6.0 m depth). The biometric study revealed the existence of significant differences in the type of growth between size classes in relation to depth distribution and burrowing activity. On the basis of these results, some specific management measures were proposed for this important bivalve fishery, taking into account the distinct fishing strategies and operations (manual and boat-operated dredging) performed at different depths.

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Published

2002-06-30

How to Cite

Gaspar MB, Chícharo LM, Vasconcelos P, García A, Santos AR, Monteiro CC. Depth segregation phenomenon in Donax trunculus (Bivalvia: Donacidae) populations of the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2002Jun.30 [cited 2026Aug.3];66(2):111-2. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/570

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Issue

Vol. 66 No. 2 (2002)

Section

Articles

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