Preliminary survey of populations of the bivalve Noah's ark ( Arca noae, Linné) in the northern Adriatic Sea

Abstract

Studies were carried out at several stations on the west coast of the Istra peninsula in 1966, 1970, 1977 and 1978 to determine population structure of the edible bivalve Arca noae after the catastrophic mortality in 1949/1950 reduced their numbers. Results indicate that ark populations have recovered with a good balance between breeding and mortality. Considerable numbers of large animals were found, suggesting that further studies are needed to determine population densities and size distribution of ark populations on the west coast of the Istra peninsula. The areas of highest population densities should be further investigated to determine the most suitable fishing gear and to ascertain the possibilities of commercial cultivation.