Ecological Zoning of Paratapes undulatus in Estuaries of Da Nang, Vietnam

Abstract

Bivalves play a significant role in providing food for humans. The bivalve, Paratapes undulatus (Born 1778) living in the Da Nang estuary in central Vietnam has been used as a live food for many years. Based on the results of the field survey in 2021-2022, this study has clarified the ecological and environmental properties of the studied area for ecological zoning of the distribution of this species. The results show that the bottom water and sediments in the Da Nang estuaries were suitable for the distribution and development of undulate venus clam. Moreover, the influence of river discharge in the rainy season has limited the distribution of clams in the river and mount areas compared to others. Clams were not found distributed in sandy or muddy areas, they were observed in areas with sand/mud deposits. This article also showed the clam stock in the studied areas however, size of scallops at the time of the study was smaller than the first mature size, so for sustainable exploitation, there should be mandatory policies on the season and harvest size as well.