Una Evaluation of the commercially important clam fishery in the Alvarado Lagoon System, Veracruz, México

Objective: to evaluate the historical trends of clam fishery in Alvarado, Veracruz, to determine the current state of its populations and to promote the incorporation of aquaculture activities, to conserve the resource and reduce the negative impact of its fishery. Design/methodology/approach: data were obtained through the CONAPESCA on the arrival notices of clam fishery production from the offices in Alvarado, Veracruz. After analyzing this information, graphs on trends, composition, and proportion by species were made about the capture between the years 1998 to 2021 of the three most important species in the region (Rangia cuneata, Rangia flexuosa and Polymesoda caroliniana.) Results: the three clam species hit peak production in the years 2006 (P. carolineana with 700 t), 2012 (P. carolineana and R. cuneata with 650 t), and 2015 (P. carolineana with 800 t), respectively. Nevertheless, the trend in the last years shows an extraction decrease. Representing more than 50% of the composition, P. carolineana predominates the captures, even though this species enjoys special protection under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. Limitations of the research/implications: there were no limitations. Findings/conclusions: the increase of clam fishery is not recommended due to the diminishing trend and the signs of overexploitation observed in the three species, maintaining less than 50% of peak production. Keywords: Rangia cuneata, Rangia flexuosa, Polymesoda caroliniana, trends, artisanal fishery