Age estimation methods in the marine gastropod Buccinanops globulosus comparing shell marks and opercula growth rings

BOKENHANS, V.; BIGATTI, G.; AVERBUJ, A.

MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH

TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016 vol. 12 p. 881 - 887

1745-1000

SOY DIRECTR DE LA PRIMERA AUTORAAge determination in gastropods is an essential tool for understanding the main aspects ofpopulation dynamics that allow for the formation of fisheries policies. Small-scale fisheries ofthe nassariid gastropod Buccinanops globulosus from northern Patagonia are not yetregulated, although it is locally consumed while an incipient commercialization is takingplace. The aim of this study was to show the suitability of opercula readings for ageestimation in B. globulosus, compared with shell marks, previously validated by the analysisof the stable isotope of oxygen. The individual age estimated by the opercula rings readingmethod did not match the estimation made by the shell marks reading method. Stableisotope analyses confirmed that shell marks were deposited annually. Proper age estimationfor B. globulosus, based on recognizable external shell marks, reached up to 9 years.