Distribuzione della vongola Chamelea gallina e delle specie bentoniche associate nei fondali antistanti alla foce del torrente Bevano (Adriatico settentrionale)

The aim of this thesis is to analyze the distribution of Chamelea gallina (Linnaeus, 1758) and the benthic species associated with it in Torrente Bevano’s area, to map their distribution and identify the maritime coastal nursery areas suitable for representing a protection area. This is particularly relevant as it is a species of commercial interest that is subjected to intense exploitation, especially in the northern Adriatic Sea. The study was carried out as a part of the participatory local development strategies, implemented through the FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group). Specifically, the project from which it is drawn has the objective of characterizing the habitat and aquatic environment of the mouth of Torrente Bevano, identifying possible marine nursery areas for protected species and of commercial interest and defining useful strategies for the protection of such organisms. The data showed a great abundance in the whole study area of Chamelea gallina, in particular in marine area in front of Torrente Bevano mouth, reach 3000 individuals for square meter. Most of the sampled individuals did not reach the first year of age, with an average diameter of 11,31 mm, and consequently were unable to reproduce, as sexual maturity is only achieved with a diameter between 16 and 18 mm (Froglia, 1975). The small size and the scarce abundance of the clams sampled beyond 6 m of depth testify the intense exploitation of the resource also in this stretch of sea. This suggests that it would be important to introduce forms of limitation or suspension of fishing, especially mechanized clam fishing, in the whole study area.