Worldwide overview of reproduction, juvenile collection, spat production and cultivation of pen shells

Abstract

Pen shells hold some potential for cultivation, but information on aquaculture activities is fragmentary, and no sustained or commercial production of any such species is currently in place. We reviewed information available worldwide on reproductive cycles, wild juvenile collection, spat production in hatcheries and cultivation systems for 45 pen shell species. We found information on the topics of interest for 15 species, Atrina maura and Atrina pectinata being the most studied. Reproductive cycles have been described for ten species, but size at first maturity has been reported only for A. maura and Pinna rugosa. Onion mesh bags and mosquito nets are the materials used for wild juvenile collection of most species. Nevertheless, seed collection has decreased for some species because of overexploitation, diseases or trawling that has severely impacted populations, so spat production in hatcheries is a fundamental aspect. Yet, hatcheries face challenges due to the high mortality of umbo larvae and during metamorphosis, and larvae produced by broodstock with overmature gonads. Market size individuals can be produced using culture methods currently available, but hatchery protocols and culture devices must be tailored specifically for pen shells. Reduced availability of wild spat and limited spat production in hatcheries are major constraints for developing and sustaining cultures. Studies on reproduction and spat production are necessary, as well as the implementation of protection measures and development of restoration plans for pen shell populations. Apparently, there is insufficient information available to foster the development of aquaculture, with tensions between preserving species and aquaculture programmes.

Integral Management Zones: A novel strategy for marine bivalve production in the Gulf of California, Mexico

“…Penshells seeded in the bottom reached commercial size after 12 months; this represents 1.5 years from seed collection. The growth rate reported by the fishers is congruent with the rates recorded for other penshell species in Northwest Mexico(Arizpe-Covarrubias, 1995;Chávez-Villalba et al, 2022;G ongora-G omez et al, 2011). With the goal of recovering commercial beds through the constant sowing of seeds, Cooperative 1 has harvested only a few penshells of the sown animals (president of Cooperative 1, personal communication, November 2022).…”

“…However, these aquaculture initiatives faced interruptions due to technological constraints, the burden of permit paperwork and poor economic profits (Chávez-Villalba et al, 2022;Mendo et al, 2011;Palacios-Abrantes et al, 2018). On the other hand, the wing-oyster Pteria sterna (Bivalvia: Pteriidae) was mainly fished or cultivated under natural conditions for pearl and half-pearl production (Cariño & Monteforte, 2008;Ruiz-Rubio et al, 2006).…”

“…Penshells are harvested by hookah divers and coastal gatherers, who commercialize their adductor muscle (callo) (Diario Oficial de la Federaci on, 2018). Furthermore, A. maura and P. rugosa have been successfully cultivated under hatchery conditions and cultured in natural environmental conditions until further growth-out (Chávez-Villalba et al, 2022).…”

“…Penshells are harvested by hookah divers and coastal gatherers, who commercialize their adductor muscle ( callo ) (Diario Oficial de la Federación, 2018). Furthermore, A. maura and P. rugosa have been successfully cultivated under hatchery conditions and cultured in natural environmental conditions until further growth‐out (Chávez‐Villalba et al, 2022). However, these aquaculture initiatives faced interruptions due to technological constraints, the burden of permit paperwork and poor economic profits (Chávez‐Villalba et al, 2022; Mendo et al, 2011; Palacios‐Abrantes et al, 2018).…”

“…Furthermore, A. maura and P. rugosa have been successfully cultivated under hatchery conditions and cultured in natural environmental conditions until further growth‐out (Chávez‐Villalba et al, 2022). However, these aquaculture initiatives faced interruptions due to technological constraints, the burden of permit paperwork and poor economic profits (Chávez‐Villalba et al, 2022; Mendo et al, 2011; Palacios‐Abrantes et al, 2018). On the other hand, the wing‐oyster Pteria sterna (Bivalvia: Pteriidae) was mainly fished or cultivated under natural conditions for pearl and half‐pearl production (Cariño & Monteforte, 2008; Ruiz‐Rubio et al, 2006).…”