Enhancing scientific knowledge to support the exploitation of invasive Anadara spp. in the Adriatic Sea

Two invasive bivalves, Anadara kagoshimensis and A. transversa have historically established abundant populations in the Adriatic Sea, presenting a compelling case for managing their invasion through the development of a commercial fishery. Whether these species hold economic potential for human consumption, aquaculture, or alternative non-food applications, this research aims to provide essential scientific knowledge to support their sustainable exploitation. Data on their distribution, abundance and status in relation to MSY reference points was based on a large dataset which included data on 66 randomly selected locations across the Adriatic Sea, surveyed annually through experimental trawling survey from 2008 to 2023. Abundance hotspots for both species, were provided in spatially explicit maps and resulted to be primarily located in the western Adriatic coast, wherein two distinct populations per species were delineated in Italian waters. Stock assessments highlighted the broad availability of these bivalves, with a combined maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of 11486.2 tons for both species. Altogether, this diverse information provides a foundation for a possible commercial exploitation of both species, offering a means to manage the invasion while balancing ecological and economic interests. • Hotspots of A. kagoshimensis and A. transversa were identified in the Adriatic Sea. • Longitude, latitude and depth are the main factors influencing their distributions. • Both species appear to be separated into northern and southern populations. • The combined MSY for both species reached 9048.7 tonnes in the northern Adriatic. • Their biomasses fluctuated inter annually.