Growth, reproduction, and size at first maturity of the peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana in the Ria de Aveiro, Portugal: implications for sustainable fisheries management

Maia, Francisco; Gaspar, Miguel; Barroso, Carlos M.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/20724

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Authors

Maia, Francisco

Gaspar, Miguel

Barroso, Carlos M.

Abstract(s)

The peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana is a commercial valuable bivalve in the east Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. To ensure the sustainability of this resource and implement efficient management strategies, it is essential to understand the life history traits of the species, such as growth, reproduction, and size at first maturity. These features were investigated in the southern range of the species' European distribution, specifically in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), and compared to other geographical areas. At Ria de Aveiro S. plana spawns from June to October, with a peak in August/September, aligning with the typical reproductive pattern of mid latitude European populations. The condition index is lowest in March and highest in May just before spawning. Sexual maturity (L50 = 27 mm SL) is attained at approximately 1 year of age, enabling offspring to reproduce in the subsequent spawning season. In this study, the overall sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1. Hermaphroditism (ovotestis) was detected in one specimen, representing 0.3% of the total examined males. Shell rings are formed annually during growth cessation in fall/winter and become conspicuous when growth resumes in March. The growth equation parameters, estimated from surface shell ring analysis and internal shell microgrowth bands, were: Lt = 58.1[1 - e-0.46(t -0.09)]; Lt = 54.7[1 - e-0.53(t - 0.30)], respectively. Values for K and L infinity are among the highest recorded for the species, highlighting the growth performance of S. plana in the Ria de Aveiro and its potential for commercial exploitation. An analysis of morphometric relationships between shell length, height, and width was performed to optimize the harvesting process of S. plana. Management measures are proposed for the fishery of S. plana in Ria de Aveiro, based on the species' biological traits.