Benthic richness in Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica) fishing grounds: the status of associated fauna in different management units.

BREMEC C; SCHEJTER L.; ESCOLAR M.

Santiago de Compostela

Workshop; 17th International Pectinid Workshop; 2009

The aim of this study was to asses benthic species composition and richness considering their spatial distribution and density in nine management units that correspond to the Northern and Southern Management Sectors. The study area is located between 37º-44ºS and 80-130 m depth, with homogeneus soft bottoms. We compared data from 2006 and 2007. As a general conclusion, no loss of species was detected in Patagonian scallop fishing grounds during the study period (only four small gastropod species were not found in SMS during 2007). Most of the species were widely distributed, some rare or occasional ones can be sometimes collected or not at any bed, but always present in the study area. However, a decrease in the number of taxa per sample was conspicuous in all the management units.