Volutid snails as an alternative resource for artisanal fisheries in northern patagonic gulfs. Availability and first suggestions for diving catches.

BIGATTI, G.; CIOCCO, N.F.

JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH

Año: 2008 vol. 27 p. 417 - 421

0730-8000

Volutid snails have been identified as a potential resource for artisanal fisheries in northern patagonic gulfs. We explored their availability in two gulfs of Chubut Province (Patagonia, Argentina) by means of SCUBA diving and baited traps. CPUE and biomass were estimated from visual counting densities. CPUE of all the volutes was 65.85 kg.diver-1.h-1 and  59.5 kg.diver-1.h-1 in San Matías  (SMG) and San Jorge (SJG) Gulfs, respectively. Estimated biomass was 89.7 (± 28.9) and 44.4 (± 19.2) tons in SMG and SJG. The species Adelomelon ancilla and  Odontocymbiola  magellanica could supplement the potential clam fishery existent at SJG. In SMG  Zidona followed by O. magellanica  could be the main commercial target. We suggest minimum catch sizes of 16 cm for Z. dufresnei, 9 cm for O. magellanica and 12 cm for A. ancilla. Protection of the egg capsules and females would help to the protection of the resource. These measures could ensure the sustainability of a small scale multi-specific fishery.