Adaptive Reproductive Strategies of Limpets in a Harvest-Influenced Environment

Abstract

Limpet harvesting is a size-selective activity that primarily removes the largest individuals, leading to reduced reproductive output. This study investigates the fecundity strategies of two limpet species, Patella aspera and Patella crenata, inhabiting the rocky shores of Gran Canaria. Between September 2023 and April 2024, a total of 288 P. aspera and 364 P. crenata specimens were sampled from four coastal settlements. Both species exhibited determinate fecundity with synchronous spawning, as evidenced by the progression of dominant oocyte cohorts and the corresponding changes in oocyte size and number throughout the spawning season. Orientation and substrate type significantly influenced fecundity, with the North coast showing a higher number of vitellogenic oocytes, particularly in artificial substrates for P. crenata. Natural substrates on the North coast were associated with larger vitellogenic oocytes. Additionally, sex proportions were significantly affected by substrate type, with natural substrates containing a higher proportion of females. In artificial substrates, P. crenata exhibited notably higher gonadosomatic index values. The analysis of the gonadosomatic index and oocyte dynamics highlights the adaptive strategies of these limpets to local environmental conditions, contributing to our understanding of reproductive ecology in intertidal habitats. This research not only enhances our understanding of reproductive dynamics in limpets under varying environmental conditions but also emphasizes the importance of habitat and seasonal factors in shaping fecundity strategies. Such studies are crucial for conservation efforts, as they provide essential insights into how environmental pressures and human activities, like harvesting, impact the reproductive success and sustainability of these commercial species.