TURKISH JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES, cilt.14, sa.1, ss.221-230, 2014 (SCI-Expanded)
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.