Short communication: Effects of induced spawning on early development in snout otter clam, Lutraria philippinarum (Deshayes, 1854) (Bivalvia: Mactridae)

Abstract

Throughout the world, bivalves play an important role in the national economy of many countries. In 2005, the contribution of bivalves to the total global trade of fish and fishery products was approximately US$ 78.9 billion (WHO, 2010). Though the contribution of the overall bivalve production to aquaculture increased, production from wild harvests exhibited a downward trend. Increased fishing efforts from rapidly growing population, habitat destruction, environmental changes, pollution, high seafood and shell trade global demand are the factors which lead to the decline of many mollusk resources. One of the commercially important bivalves which showed a declining catch is Lutraria philippinarum (Bantoto and Ilano, 2012). This species is served as a special dish in restaurants of the Philippines and Vietnam making it highly in demand.