Effects of mechanized dredging targeting Chamelea gallina, striped venus clams, on the associated discards in the northern Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Mechanized dredging impact on discards was assessed along the northern Alboran Sea (W Mediterranean Sea). Data from 101 dredging operations were analysed for contrasting spatial and seasonal variability of damage, with the use of a three-level damage scale. 4.5% of discarded individuals displayed intermediate damage, whereas 11.3% displayed severe damage. Echinoderms displayed the highest level of damage (~75% of total collected individuals) and Echinocardium cf. mediterraneum was the most susceptible discarded species (85% with severe damage), followed by bivalves (7.3%) and crustaceans (3.3%). The target Chamelea gallina showed a low proportion of damaged individuals, probably due to their thick protective shell, which promotes the survival of discarded undersized target individuals. Spatial differences in damage level on discards were linked to some gear characteristics, to the higher amount of gravels and to longer tow durations, whereas damage was generally higher in cold months and partly related to higher quantities of hard shelled molluscs, in both cases increasing the abrasion and damage to retained organisms. Data suggest that dredges with a lower number of narrower iron teeth and towed for a shorter time could decrease the damage rate in discards of this fishery. A spatial management plan based on the type of grounds would be useful in order to improve efficiency of these fisheries and minimize their impact to soft bottoms with different commercial catches and biological communities.

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

“…The results of this study showed that mechanized clam dredging causes considerably greater damage and mortality to the benthic megafauna of the trunculus (Urra et al, 2017;Urra et al, 2019). These notable differences between areas may be the result of: (1) different levels of fishing disturbance (intensity and frequency of the fishing activity); (2) the effect of the Maresme fishing closure in the abundance and diversity of benthic species (e.g., the increase of species with fragile shells); (3) Different local environmental conditions (e.g., depth, sediment grain size) or anthropogenic activities.…”

“…Clam dredging has been described to be among those practices with the greatest impact on coastal benthic ecosystems (Collie et al, 2000). The impact of mechanized clam dredging on benthic communities inhabiting fine sands has been detailed for the striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) and the wedge clam (Donax trunculus) fisheries in Andalusia (Urra et al, 2017;Urra et al, 2019) and Catalonia (Baeta et al, 2021a) (both in the western Mediterranean Sea). The effect of similar fishing gears was also described for the smooth clam (Callista chione) and the surf clam (Spisula solida) in southern Portugal (Gaspar et al, 2001;.…”