The Pen Shell, Pinna nobilis: A Review of Population Status and Recommended Research Priorities in the Mediterranean Sea

Lorena Basso*, Maite Vázquez-Luis, José R. García-March, Salud Deudero, Elvira Alvarez, Nardo Vicente, Carlos Duarte, Iris E. Hendriks

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

The pen shell Pinna nobilis (also known as the fan mussel) is an endemic bivalve of the Mediterranean Sea. Threatened by human activities, it has been listed as an endangered and protected species under the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC since 1992. The ecological role of this species is of importance because it filters and retains large amounts of organic matter from suspended detritus contributing to water clarity. In addition, as a hard substrate in the soft-bottom seafloor, it provides a surface that can be colonized by other (floral and faunal) benthic species. Here, we provide an overview of all available published studies on the pen shell, compiling available data and summarizing current knowledge on the conservation status and viability of populations over the full range of the Mediterranean Basin. Additionally, we discuss the different practices in applied methodology and identify gaps and new research areas in order to render conservation programmes of the species more effective.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Marine Biology, 2015
EditorsBarbara E. Curry
PublisherAcademic Press
Pages109-160
Number of pages52
ISBN (Print)9780128033050
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Publication series

NameAdvances in Marine Biology
Volume71
ISSN (Print)0065-2881

Bibliographical note

KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2021-07-13

Keywords

  • Bivalve
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Pen shell
  • Pinna nobilis
  • Review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Aquatic Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Pen Shell, Pinna nobilis: A Review of Population Status and Recommended Research Priorities in the Mediterranean Sea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this