Biological and ecological aspects of a native population of Ruditapes decussatus from the Lagoon of Capo Peloro (Messina – Italy): a multidisciplinary study

The grooved carpet shell clam (Ruditapes decussatus – Linnaeus, 1758) is a bivalve mollusc belonging to the family Veneridae. The farming of this species of high commercial value has deep roots in the local culture of the city of Messina (Sicily – Italy), boasting a centuries-old tradition as one of the main activities in the Lagoon of Capo Peloro, along with mussel farming. Following the introduction into the Italian market of the Indo-Pacific congeneric species, Ruditapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850), the native populations of grooved carpet shell clams has significantly declined, mostly due to the greater resistance and adaptability that characterise the allochthonous species, as well as frequent hybridization events. These aspects, together with the considerable technical difficulties related to the controlled reproduction of these molluscs, make it challenging to conducts investigations necessary to learn more about the natural population distribution of R. decussatus in the Mediterranean Sea. In this perspective, the following research has been developed, aimed to describe through a multidisciplinary approach a native population of grooved carpet shell clams living in the lagoon of Capo Peloro (Messina). The main goal is to preserve this species and fully reintroduce it into national shellfish farming activities as a niche product, using the traditional techniques employed in Capo Peloro lagoon since ancient times as an integrated model of sustainable shellfish farming. In the past, the accurate and consistent management of areas designated for mollusc production indeed ensured the maintenance of delicate ecosystem balances, leading to an improvement in water quality and the preservation of high biodiversity rates in these areas.