Scallops Biology, Fisheries, and Management in Argentina

Abstract

Two scallop species, Aequipecten tehuelchus (Tehuelche scallop) and Zygochlamys patagonica (Patagonian scallop), are commercially harvested in Argentina. In this chapter we summarize information on their biology, fisheries, stock assessment, and management. The fisheries supported by these two species are radically different from each other. The Tehuelche scallop is the target of small inshore fisheries in the gulfs of northern Patagonia, and involves dredging and commercial diving. In spite of the small volumes landed, these fisheries are of considerable significance for the local economies. The Patagonian scallop fishery is an industrial operation conducted by three to four factory trawlers that process the catch at sea. Catches in the order of 50,000 tons yr-1 now rank this species among the most important scallop fisheries in the World