Relationships between environmental factors and Donax denticulatus populations in Puerto Rico

Donax denticulatus population density and size distribution were studied in five different Puerto Rican beaches for a one year period in order to determine relationships between the densities and size distributions of the clam, and twelve different physico-chemical parameters of sediments and water. Maní beach exhibits significantly higher population densities followed by Luquillo, Esperanza and Ballenas. No clams were found in Crashboat. Luquillo and Esperanza had similar population fluctuations, having peak densities in August and January. Maní had higher densities in September and May, and Ballenas in June. The only major settlement period appeared during January at Esperanza. The bigger clams (30 mm) were found in Maní only. Higher population density and bigger clams in Maní are related to waters having high concentrations of total organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and nitrates. The clam was absent from Crashboat where very low levels of phosphates and nitrates were observed. These studies indicate relationships between water and sediment quality, and densities of D. denticulatus.