STOCK ASSESSMENT OF THE GIANT CLAM (TRIDACNA MAXIMA) IN THE EGYPTIAN RED SEA

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Marine Science Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University. Ismailia, Egypt.

2 National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries. P.O. Box 182, Suez Branch. Suez, Egypt

Abstract

Stock assessment of giant clams was carried out in the Egyptian Red Sea as a step to establish a sound fishery policy. Two sectors were surveyed: Hurghada (17 sites) and Quseir (12 sites)where 394 and 229 clams were measured in the 2 areas, respectively. These were compared with another sample (6384 clams), which was investigated in 1996 in Sharm E1-Sheikh, in the northern Egyptian Red Sea. There was significant difference in clam density between Sharm El-Sheikh area and the other sectors (P=0.0001). Although the mean clam size in the northern sector was smaller than in the
southern ones, there was no significant difference (P = 0.3191). However, this difference can be attributed to the variation in the mean temperature between the 2 habitats. Length-based study showed that current exploitation
rate in Sharm El-Shekh was lower than in the other 2 sectors. This may be due to the strict management and monitoring of illegal fishing in this area. Although clam population is under-exploited in the 3 sectors. The difference
between current and maximum exploitation rates was smaller in the southern sectors (Hurghada and Quseir) than in the northern one. This indicates higher fishing activities in the former areas. It is concluded that keeping the fishing activity at the present rate will not affect the natural population. Clam farming however, should be introduced in the meantime for
the sake of environmental conservation and protection of the clam natural population against over fishing that can lead to serious consequences. 

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Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Volume 3, Issue 4
June 1999
Pages 145-156

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