Exploitation status and stock assessment of thesmooth clam Callista chione (Linnaeus, 1758) in thenorthern Alboran Sea (GSA01-W Mediterranean Sea)

Baro, J.; García-Jiménez, M.T.; Lozano-Fernández, M.; Rueda, J.L.

Exploitation status and stock assessment of thesmooth clam Callista chione (Linnaeus, 1758) in thenorthern Alboran Sea (GSA01-W Mediterranean Sea)

2018

Baro, J. (Jorge) | García-Jiménez, M.T. (María Teresa) | Lozano-Fernández, M. (Matías) | Rueda, J.L. (José Luis)

The smooth clam, Callista chione (Linnaeus, 1758), is a venerid bivalve widely appreciated in southern Spain where it representsthe top commercial bivalve species in terms of landings and economic value. In this area, a total of 223 artisanal boats (68% ofthe artisanal fleet) are involved in shellfishing targeting bivalve molluscs, including the smooth clam. The artisanal mechaniseddredging that targets C. chione in the northern Alboran Sea is described and the current exploitation status of its populations isanalysed. A surplus-production model was run using ASPIC and used to assess the temporal variation in the levels of fishing forthis bivalve throughout the study period (2002-2015), as well as to suggest conservation reference points that could guarantee thesustainable exploitation of this resource. During the study period, the maximum C. chione catch was registered in 2003 (306 t) andthe minimum in 2006 (93 t). The ASPIC model for C. chione stock suggests that a Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) of 216 tcould be produced from a total stock biomass of 983 t (Bmsy) at a fishing mortality rate of total biomass of 0.22 (Fmsy), with B/Bmsy and F/Fmsy values of 1.34 and 0.82, respectively, indicating that the stock is approaching good status.

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