Distribution of Atrina fragilis (PENNANT, 1777) (Pinnidae, Mollusca Bivalvia) in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

        The bivalve Atrina fragilis was collected by means of bottom trawl during 17 cruises of PIPETA Expedition in the Adriatic Sea in the period from 1982 to 1994 on the surface of 59000 km² of continental shelf. A total of 780 hauls were done. Atrina has been recorded at 20% of bottom trawl hauls. The species is the most abundant on sand-silt-clay and clayey “relict” sand in depths between 25 and 50 m. The deepest occurrence was between 251 and 256 m. In spite of intensive trawl fishing and occasional hypoxia events Atrina is renewing.