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Growth study of the yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides: a comparative analysis of three length-based methods
Omar Defeo, Francisco Arreguín-Sánchez, Julio Sánchez

An analysis ofgrowth of the yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides on the Uruguayan Atlanticcoast was conducted with three length-based methods: ELEFAN 1, SLCA andPROJMAT. These methods work with different algorithms but share similarassumptions about mortality, recruitment and growth patterns. Differences foundin results were related to the application of the methods when basicassumptions are not met. ELEFAN 1 gave results similar to those previouslyobtained from the analysis of growth rings recorded in the valves of M. mactroides.On the other hand, SLCA and PROJMAT showed higher sensitivity to seasonalgrowth and recruitment variability. It is concluded that the performance andreliability of the methods depend on the biological characteristics of thepopulation analyzed, such as mortality, recruitment (timing and relativestrength), and how they are specifically interpreted by the algorithms. Acareful analysis of the characteristics of the available data sets in relationto basic assumptions and the particular algorithm used by each method issuggested as a better way to decide which of them could be preferable forspecific applications.

Keywords: Growth, length-based methods, bivalves, Uruguay.
Contents of this volume Sci. Mar. 56(1) : 53-59 Back PDF
 
 
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