Review of Age Estimation Techniques and Growth Models for Shelled Organisms in Marine Animal Forests

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Dürrani Ö., Cengiz Ç. C., Gabrielczak H., Özcan E., Varshanidze M., Belmonte G., ...Daha Fazla

JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, cilt.13, sa.9, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 13 Sayı: 9
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/jmse13091693
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: age determination, growth modelling, growth rates, Marine Animal Forests, Pinna nobilis, Rapana venosa, shelled organisms, von Bertalanffy growth function
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Marine shelled organisms exhibit diverse growth strategies shaped by species-specific traits and environmental conditions that critically influence their ecological roles, particularly within Marine Animal Forests (MAF), which are structurally complex habitats and biodiversity-rich habitats. This review compiles and compares empirical growth data for 16 bivalve and gastropod species across seven families, classified as full MAF contributors (Pinna nobilis, Flexopecten glaber, Pecten maximus, and Placopecten magellanicus), partial MAF contributors (Cerastoderma edule, C. glaucum, Chamelea gallina, Ruditapes philippinarum, Mercenaria mercenaria, Panopea generosa, Anadara kagoshimensis, A. inaequivalvis, and Tegillarca granosa), and ecologically relevant non-MAF species (Buccinum undatum, Hexaplex trunculus, and Rapana venosa). Age estimation methods included direct techniques, such as shell growth ring and opercular annulus analysis, alongside indirect approaches, such as length-frequency analysis, stable isotope profiling, and mark-recapture studies. Growth trajectories were modelled using von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters to estimate the shell size from ages 1 to 4. Based on these estimates, species were categorised into slow, moderate, fast, and exceptional growth groups. These classifications were further explored through hierarchical clustering that grouped species according to their VBGF-derived growth values, revealing consistent and contrasting life history strategies. This comparative analysis should enhance the understanding of molluscan growth dynamics and support the conservation and management of MAF-associated ecosystems by informing restoration planning, guiding species selection, and contributing to evidence-based policy development.