Population structure of clam Venus verrucosa Linnaeus, 1758 harvested in Thermaikos Gulf, NW Aegean Sea, Greece

Abstract

Venus verrucosa is an edible bivalve of high commercial value in the area of Thermaikos Gulf, NW Aegean Sea and this study investigates the population structure of the species. In total, 9534 specimens with shell length (L) ranging from 11.84mm to 60.22 mm were monthly sampled at four stations. In the majority of cases, mean L was lower than the minimum landing size of 40mm. The mean abundance of the populations was quite similar in between three of the four stations. In Thermaikos Gulf, V. verrucosa displays isometric growth, with mean b value of 3.0544. The value of L∞ ranged from 60.38mm to 65.63mm, while Κ ranged from 0.57 to 1.40 with these values being higher than those previously reported in the literature. The Condition Index values corresponded to the population’s reproductive activity. A spatial and/or a temporal ban of harvesting the species is suggested for sustainable management of V. verrucosa populations in Thermaikos Gulf.