POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE COCKLE CERASTODERMA GLAUCUM (MOLLUSCA: BIVALVIA) IN THE GULF OF GABES (TUNISIA)

The cockle Cerastoderma glaucum is one of the most abundant shellfish species in the southern Tunisian waters. Its current exploitation status and management are becoming a major concern for fishing industry in Tunisia. This study is the first attempt to investigate its population dynamics including the population structure, growth, mortality, and exploitation status of two populations. Cockles were collected from Sfax (site A) and Gabes (site B) during a one-year period. Length frequency data were analyzed for estimation of population parameters to evaluate the stock. Recruitment was continuous and showed two major pulses in the two sites. The data presented herein are essential for the appropriate fisheries management and conservation for cockles.