Volutid Snails as an Alternative Resource for Artisanal Fisheries in Northern Patagonic Gulfs: Availability and First Suggestions for Diving Catches

Abstract

Volutid snails have been identified as a potential resource for artisanal fisheries in northern patagonic gulfs. We explored their availability in two gulfs of Chubut Province (Patagonia, Argentina) by means of SCUBA diving and baited traps. CPUE and biomass were estimated from visual counting densities. CPUE of all the volutes was 65.85 kgdiver–1h–1 and 59.5 kgdiver–1h–1 in San Matı´as (SMG) and San Jorge (SJG) Gulfs, respectively. Estimated biomass was 89.7 (±28.9) and 44.4 (±19.2)tons in SMG and SJG. The species Adelomelon ancilla and Odontocymbiola magellanica could supplement the potential clam fishery existent at SJG. In SMG Zidona followed by O. magellanica could be the main commercial target. We suggest minimum catch sizes of 16 cm for Z. dufresnei, 9 cm for O. magellanica, and 12 cm for A. ancilla. Protection of the egg capsules and females would help the protection of the resource. These measures could ensure the sustainability of a small-scale multispecific fishery.