Management of Manila clam beds. I. Influence of seed size, type of substratum and protection on initial mortality

摘要: Abstract Commercial Manila clam beds in the Eo estuary (NW Spain) were studied from 1991 to 1996 determine influence of seed size, level protection and substratum type on mortality early culture period. We detected a significant effect size both protected unprotected beds, as, even with predator control, smaller showed poorer survival when planted field. A was also evident, lowest sand–gravel beds. Clams reached size-refuge at 1 g (16 mm shell length) nets predators 2 (21 unprotected, showing how net reduced availability clams predators. Therefore, planting larger protecting them will enhance survival.