Post-larval and juvenile mortality in a population of the edible cockle Cerastoderma edule (L.) from northern Brittany
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more
|  |
| Abstract |
Survival and growth of newly settled cockles Cerastoderma edule in an intertidal population in the Bay of Morlaix (northern Brittany) were followed from 1987 to 1991. The main settlement occurred throughout the autumn. After high post-larval mortality, the densities of juveniles became stabilized in late autumn or early winter. A fresh mortality period started in winter and continued during spring parallel with an acceleration in growth. The mortality rate declined to zero or near-zero values by early summer, at which time individuals had reached a length of 10 to 12 mm. Several hypotheses concerning the causes of mortality during these periods are discussed. |
|
