No abstract

Harvested populations of the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) from the northwestern (Carreço) and southwestern (Aljezur) coasts of Portugal were surveyed to describe the species reproductive cycle and assess possible relationships with geographical location and seawater temperature. Individuals were sampled monthly to analyze gonad histology, mean gonadal index (GI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI) during 2 consecutive years (November 2010–November 2012). Both populations presented an annual reproductive cycle, with synchronous gonad maturation and gamete release between sexes. Gonad maturation occurred throughout autumn–winter, followed by a single but prolonged spawning season during spring–summer. The duration of the spawning season displayed a latitudinal gradient likely related to the north–south increasing trend in seawater temperature, with the northwestern population (Carreço) exhibiting a shorter spawning period compared to the southwestern population (Aljezur). The timing and duration of the spawning season was compared with several populations throughout the distributional range of P. lividus in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In the population from Carreço, the size at first sexual maturity (test diameter = 35.9 mm) was considerably smaller than the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) of 50 mm test diameter legally established for P. lividus. This study confirms that sustainable exploitation depends on harvesters’ awareness of and compliance with the MCRS and provides useful information for the eventual establishment of a closed season in the harvesting of P. lividus.

► Characterize the reproductive cycle of two Portuguese populations of R. decussatus ► Describe the patterns of nutrient stored and utilization during gametogenic cycle ► The species showed a long spawning period that is useful to aquaculture production. ► R decussatus can adopt different reproductive strategies ► Contribute to establish a successful hatchery-based production of R. decussatus

The gametogenic cycle of the smooth clam Callista chione off the Arrábida region was studied throughout a 17-month period (from January 2004 to May 2005) using standard histological techniques, mean oocyte diameters and a condition index. This species showed a synchronism between sexes both in terms of gametogenic development and spawning. The results indicated that sex-ratio was not significantly different from parity. In January 2004, the gametogenic cycle had already begun and ended in late October 2004. Three spawning peaks were detected: January–March, April–May and August–October. No resting period was observed and a new gametogenic cycle began in early November, immediately after the spawning period. The analysis of the oocyte diameter enabled predicting the main spawning periods, which appear to be largely governed by seawater temperature. The condition index evolved according to the reproductive cycle of the species, with the highest values being observed prior to the main spawning periods. The size at first maturity estimated for C. chione was 50.81 mm.

No abstract