Distribution of Pearl oysters (Pinctada spp.) and estimation of abundance of Pinctada radiata in Bushehr coastal areas, Persian Gulf

Study on distribution of pearl oysters (Pinctada spp.) throughout the period of September 2008 – 2009 and stock assessment of Pinctada radiata in the four months (September, March, May and July) of the year were carried out in Bushehr coastal areas (from 50˚ 38´ - 29˚ 27´ to 52˚ 41´ – 27˚ 17´). The objectives of this study were identifying location of pearl oysters (Pinctada spp.) and also estimation of abundance of Pinctada radiata (live shell) in Bushehr coasts.  Regular samples were obtained at some months of a year from in four areas at low tide. Some transects were selected at random direction in every area, to cover all the shell beds. In each transects one or two sampling quadrats (0.25 m2) were placed at random. Samples (empty and live bivalves) were identified and counted. Some of the samples were transferred to a bag and taken back to the institute lab for identification and further analysis. In this study the percentage of samples was used to show the distribution of the species in different areas. Faunal corelation between stations was calculated by Sorensen formula. In the studied areas, distribution of oyster shell was identified in the Golestan, Ouli, Nayband and Ganaveh. Maximum faunal corelation (49%) was found between Golestan and Ganaveh while Golestan and Nayband showed minimum faunal corelation (25%). In the shore line area of Genaveh live oyster, Pinctada radiata were sampled. The abunce estimation of this species was maximum in July (Tir) 60.5 shells per 100 m2 and minimum in March (Esfand) 3 per 100 m2. Mean abundance for this species was estimated to be 27.7 ± 24.2 shells per 100 m2.