Experimental catches and distribution of Queen scallop Aequipecten opercularis (LINNAEUS, 1758) (Pectinidae, Mollusca Bivalvia) in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

         The paper presents data on the distribution and catch quantities of the species Aequipecten opercularis (LINNAEUS, 1758) in the Adriatic Sea. The bivalve A. opercularis was collected by bottom trawl during 17 cruises of PIPETA Expedition in the Adriatic Sea in the period from 1982 to 1994. A total of 201 bottom trawl hauls were performed in the area of A. opercularis distribution in the northern Adriatic (8988 km²). A. opercularis has been recorded at 90.55% of hauls. The data do not include the area around islands and inshore part of the northern Adriatic Sea where the species is well represented. Standard “swept area” method was used to estimate the abundance of the species. The catch quantities varied a lot among the cruises. Mean catch values range from 14.51 to 3494.88 kg km^-2. The species is the best distributed at depths of 40 to 49 m on “relict” sand and clayey “relict” sand.