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Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2014, Vol 14, Num, 1     (Pages: 221-230)

Population Structure, Growth and Production of the Wedge Clam Donax trunculus (Bivalvia, Donacidae) in the West Marmara Sea, Turkey

Serhat Çolakoğlu 1

1 Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Çanakkale Provincial Directorate, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey DOI : 10.4194/1303-2712-v14_1_24 Viewed : 4137 - Downloaded : 5458 Population structure, growth, mortality and productivity of the wedge clam, Donax trunculus (Bivalvia, Donacidae), were investigated on high-density sandy beaches (0.5–2 m) west of the Marmara Sea between May 2011 and April 2012. From length – frequency distribution, the parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) were estimated to be L∞= 44.10 mm and K= 0.76 year−1. The growth performance index (Ø') and the longevity (tmax) derived from VBGF parameters were 3.17 and 3.95 years, respectively. Growth pattern showed negative allometric growth (b = 2.69). Estimated natural mortality rate (M) was 1.071 year-1, whereas average mortality (Z) was 1.082 year-1. Mean abundance and biomass of the studied population were 14.45 ind. m-2 and 92.95 g SFWM m-2 (shell-free wet mass), respectively. Individual production was maximal for 0.66 g SFWM at 28 mm shell length. Annual production of the population was 96.66 g SFWM m-2year-1. The annual P/ B ratio was estimated to be 1.04 year-1. The findings of this study will facilitate adequate stock management during potential commercial exploitation of the wedge clam. Keywords : Donax trunculus, Population dynamics, growth, mortality, production, Marmara Sea