The mollusk harvesting in intertidal environments on western Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil

Abstract

Molluscs are an important group extensively captured by fishing communities, however studies on their exploitation are still scarce in the Brazilian Northeastern. The present study aimed to record the malacofauna caught and traded on the west coast of the RN. Between the years of 2010 and 2013, 7 beaches of the region were sampled, where molluscs are harvested by artisanal fishey. Mollusc catchers were interviewed and the species collected by them were identified in situ. Nine mollusc species were identified, the bivalves were the most representative group. Some species are caught only for fishemen/fisherwomen own consumption, although most of them are traded for R$ 4.00 to 10.00 per kilogram. The fishery takes place throughout the year, except for the bivalve Mytella falcata that has its capture unviable during the rainy season. The octopus Octopus insularis and the oyster Crassostrea mangle (= Crassostrea rhizophorae) have the highest prices.