In shellfish farming, most of the environmental conditions required for the successful development of the farming activity are provided by the natural ecological characteristics of the site. The data presented thus far indicate that Tapes decussatus finds suitable conditions for commercial aquaculture at the selected site, located at a depth of approximately 10 m within the maritime concession granted by the Municipality of Crotone.
From the time of stocking, the native carpet shell clam increased in size from an average shell length of 16 mm to approximately 27 mm over a period of 18–20 months.
Overall, the qualitative parameters analysed showed that Tapes decussatus farmed at our site contained high levels of important n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Furthermore, the levels of these polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in Tapes decussatus reared at our site than in samples of Tapes philippinarum obtained from farms located in the Venice Lagoon.
In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the product obtained from this experimental activity fully met the expected outcomes, exhibiting important quality characteristics that may be attributed both to the native species and to the environmental conditions of the farming site.
From the time of stocking, the native carpet shell clam increased in size from an average shell length of 16 mm to approximately 27 mm over a period of 18–20 months.
Overall, the qualitative parameters analysed showed that Tapes decussatus farmed at our site contained high levels of important n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Furthermore, the levels of these polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in Tapes decussatus reared at our site than in samples of Tapes philippinarum obtained from farms located in the Venice Lagoon.
In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the product obtained from this experimental activity fully met the expected outcomes, exhibiting important quality characteristics that may be attributed both to the native species and to the environmental conditions of the farming site.