Historical landings and management options for the genus Mesodesma in coasts of South America.

Abstract

This work compiles and updates Information onthedevelopmentofsurf clams'fisheriesof the genus Mesodesma in the coasts of South America. Landings, pnces and exportation valúes (when available), are analyzed for those countries where the species are present: Brazil, Argentine, Uruguay, Perú and Chile. A marked increase in catches during the 80's was observed in Chile, Perú and Uruguay. Argentine maintains a closed season imposed since 1958, while the lack oí available data preclude us to analyze the evolutionof the Brazilian fishery. A lackof regulatory measures, the prevailing open access-system established in four of the five countries analyzed and the marked increase in demand for the produet by domesticand foreign markets, suggest a serious risk of over-exploitation oí the Mesodesma resource. A dissimilar State oí ecological and fishery knowledge observed in the mentioned countries aggravates the above situation. Implications derived from different management scenarios are discussed. Finally, íuture lines of research that ought to be developed in the región are proposed.