Effect of Exploitation on the Limpet Lottia gigantea: A Field Study in Baja California (Mexico) and California (U.S.A.)
Effect of Exploitation on the Limpet Lottia gigantea: A Field Study in Baja California (Mexico) and California (U.S.A.)
Date
1996-10
Authors
Pombo, Oscar Alberto
Escofet, Anamaria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Hawaii Press
Abstract
Specimens of Lottia gigantea (Sowerby) from intertidal populations,
artisanal catches, and shell middens were obtained from 1985 to 1988 at
11 sites along the Pacific coasts of Baja California (Mexico) and California
(U.S.A.). A scaled rating system of 0-4 was used to describe the amount of intertidal
exploitation associated with visiting patterns of gatherers, accessibility,
and site topography. Maximum and mean size of intertidal populations and
artisanal catches decreased along a gradient of increasing exploitation. Mean
size was significantly different between catches and the corresponding intertidal
population. Mean size of specimens in older middens was significantly larger
than in a recent midden. Measurements at the most inaccessible site inmediately
after the exceptional extratropical winter storm that swept the California coast
on 17-18 January 1988 showed that the storm had removed larger specimens
approximating exploitation measuring 1-2 on our scale. Intertidal gathering
occurs or has occurred unless it is physically prevented by topography, distance,
or some kind of restriction of access. Ecological implications of exploitation
were explored utilizing the conceptual model proposed by Catterall and Poiner
for assessing potential impact of traditional shell gathering on intertidal molluscs.
The model suggests that size at maturity of this species and its pelagic
larval stage may prevent depletion by harvesting.
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Citation
Pombo OA, Escofet A. 1996. Effect of exploitation on the limpet Lottia gigantea: a field study in Baja California (Mexico) and California (U.S.A.). Pac Sci 50(4): 393-403.
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