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

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 infinity = 44.10 mm and K = 0.76 year(-1). The growth performance index (sic') 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/ 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.