Effects of fishing closure and mechanized clam dredging on a Callista chione bed in the western Mediterranean Sea

• Published in: Regional studies in marine science Vol. 48; p. 102063
• Main Authors: Baeta, Marc, Solís, Marco, Ramón, M., Ballesteros, Manuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Clam dredge impacts; Fisheries management; Fishing closure; Small scale fisheries; Smooth clam; Smooth clam; Fisheries management; Fishing closure; Clam dredge impacts; Small scale fisheries
• ISSN: 2352-4855; 2352-4855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2021.102063

Clam production from wild fisheries has declined dramatically in Europe from 169,917 (2000) to 99,917 tonnes (2018). This negative trend has been particularly severe along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, where most clam stocks have collapsed in the last decades. Management responses to reconcile declining fisheries typically include closing areas to fishing. This study evaluated the effect of fishing closure on the Callista chione bed on the Maresme coast, which was among the most productive fishing grounds. At the same time, this study examined the direct impact of mechanized clam dredges on the megabenthic assemblages. The same locations were surveyed in 2005 (regular fishing activity) and 2020 (5 years after the official fishing closure). The closure of the clam fishing area has not helped in the recovery of the C. chione stock. Changes in C. chione biology and population dynamics were found. However, the diversity in the macrobenthic community has increased. Species with fragile shells or vermiform soft bodies have become more abundant or have appeared. These species are also among those most affected by mechanized clam dredging activity. The data suggest that active management actions are required (e.g. restocking) to recover the C. chione population in the medium term.