The condition of natural and commercial bivalve populations in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

       This paper contains a review of the investigations of shellfishery problems in the Adriatic Sea to determine the condition of natural and commercial bivalve populations. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the problems and provide suggestions for future investigations.

       The paper begins with a short history of the shellfishery of the Yugoslavian Adriatic coast, and in a few words discusses the need, possibilities and difficulties of their expansion to other favourable bays. The next part of paper deals with natural bivalve populations concerning of their size, distribution and the possibility of commercial exploitation in the Adriatic Sea.                        

       The review of the studies of commercial shellfish (mussel and oyster) includes their fluctuations in yearly production from year to year, and then several problems concerning the recruitment of spat, growth rate and mortality of both species, index of condition and biochemical studies. Some epibionts and predators are also considered in this paper. The paper emphasized the importance of improvement of cultivation technique and artificial fertilization of the cultured ares with the purpose of increasing the shellfishery in the Adriatic Sea.