Natural adaptation to the environmental conditions affects the oxidation-dependent processes in limpets

Exploitation of benthonic resources is an important fraction within the craft catch. The main objective of this work was to obtain information on the oxidative condition and tissue damage in gills of the limpets Nacella deaurata and N. magellanica with subtidal and intertidal natural habitats, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two species in the carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and ashes content. Ascorbyl radical and lipid radical contents were higher in N. deaurata compared to N. magellanica (224% and 3.5-fold, respectively). However, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher in N. magellanica than in N. deaurata. These data suggested that in the intertidal species, which is exposed to extreme conditions, antioxidant activity is responsible for preventing lipid damage. Thus, organoleptic characteristics are improved, and conservation and handling stress could be prevented in intertidal compared to subtidal species. These studies would contribute to the sustainable management of valuable native species.