Recruitment patterns and standing stocks of the beaked clam Eumarcia paupercula (Holten, 1802) in Maputo Bay, Mozambique

Abstract

The beaked clam Eumarcia paupercula is abundant in Maputo Bay, where it forms the basis of a substantial 
artisanal fishery. This study aimed to understand the recruitment pattern of the E. paupercula population of 
Costa do Sol beach and to monitor seasonal changes in its standing stocks and how these are impacted by the 
fishery. Results from November 2012 – April 2014 sampling programme showed that recruitment took place 
throughout the year, with the highest recruitment rates occurring during early winter, with over 250 recruits.m-2 
and lowest in late winter and early summer, with less than 20 recruits.m-2. The abundance of the adult stock 
seemed to have little influence on recruitment rates. The total standing stock of E. paupercula across the 
approximately 144 000 m2 study site at Costa do Sol beach varied from a minimum of 7 238 kg in May to a 
maximum of 54 164 kg in November with a mean of approximately 25 300 kg. Seasonal changes in standing 
stock were controlled mainly by patterns of recruitment and of removal of adult clams by the artisanal fishery.