Variability in the spatial and temporal distribution of the saucer scallop, Amusium balloti, in Shark Bay – management implications

A study on the saucer scallop, Amusium balloti, in Shark Bay reveals significant annual variability in recruitment abundance and spatial distribution, primarily driven by environmental factors. This variability is critical for fishery management, as it influences catch rates and the effectiveness of fishing strategies. Geostatistical modeling was used to analyze survey data, demonstrating that high-abundance areas correlate with commercial catches, validating their use for optimizing fishing practices. The research also highlights the importance of retaining residual scallops to sustain the fishery, given their contribution to overall catch alongside recruits.

Mueller, U., Kangas, M., Sporer, E., & Caputi, N. (2012). Variability in the spatial and temporal distribution of the saucer scallop, Amusium balloti, in Shark Bay – management implications. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(11), 1152–1164. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf12051