A contribution to the knowledge of bivalve species diversity in Mali Ston Bay (Adriatic Sea)

Abstract

        Although Mali Ston Bay is an important bivalve aquaculture area and one of the most studied areas in the Adriatic Sea, very little is known about its biodiversity. The goal of the present study was to estimate bivalve diversity in Mali Ston Bay according to the spatial distribution of live bivalves and empty shells. Samples were collected with a 0.1 m² van VEEN grab at twelve sampling stations in the bay during June 2000. Species were determined in the laboratory and the bivalve assemblage was analyzed using the PRIMER software package. Eighty-two bivalve species were identified, indicating that Mali Ston Bay is an area of high bivalve diversity.