Shelled Molluscs

Shelled molluscs are comprised of bivalves and gastropods. They are settled mainly on the continental shelf as benthic and sedentary animals due to their heavy protective shell. They can stand a wide range of environmental conditions. They are found in the whole trophic chain and are particle feeders, herbivorous, carnivorous, and predators. Exploited mollusc species are numerous. The main groups of gastropods are the whelks, conchs, abalones, tops, and turbans; and those of bivalve species are oysters, mussels, scallops, and clams. They are mainly used for food, but also for ornamental purposes, in shellcraft industries and jewelery. Consumed species are produced by fisheries and aquaculture, the latter representing 75% of the total 11.4 millions metric tons landed worldwide in 1996. Aquaculture, which mainly concerns bivalves (oysters, scallops, and mussels) relies on the simple techniques of producing juveniles, natural spat collection, and hatchery, and the fact that many species are planktivores.