This paper presents the efficiency analysis of commercial clam fishery fleets operating in
In Portugal, the purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris) is commercially exploited by artisanal fisheries along the Algarve coast, mainly in the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). This muricid gastropod is greatly appreciated shellfish with high commercial value in the local seafood market (reaching first sale values around 20 − 25 €/kg). Moreover, as local demand for shellfish products has augmented and the commercial value of B. brandaris has increased markedly in recent years, this species generates expectations as potential candidate for molluscan aquaculture. In this context, this study reports the growth rate of B. brandaris, estimated through mark-recapture experiments in a semi-intensive fish culture earthen pond of the IPIMAR’s Aquaculture Research Station. A total of 1067 specimens (shell length = 43.38 ± 8.06 mm, range = 14.55 − 78.39 mm) were marked with Dymo® tape tags (fixed with cyanoacrylate glue and covered with epoxy glue). Marked specimens were recaptured using a traditional fishing gear locally designated as “wallet-line” and by scuba diving. After a period at liberty (interval between marking and recapture) that varied between two months and slightly over two years, 288 individuals were recaptured (shell length = 67.37 ± 6.23 mm, range = 45.29 − 88.56 mm), corresponding to a recapture rate of 27.0%. At recapture, only one specimen had lost the tag and all the remaining tags were intact and legible. Mean growth rates obtained were 0.9 ± 1.0 mm in shell length / month and 0.7 ± 0.7 g in total weight / month. On average, individuals deposited 2.3 ± 3.2 shell bands along the body whorl per year. Growth rates presented high inter-individual variability and an expected decreasing trend with shell length at marking. This study provides baseline data for the management of the purple dye murex fishery and useful information to assess the potential of B. brandaris as a new species for molluscan aquaculture. This work was partially funded by the EU project “Desarrollo Sostenible de las Pesquerías Artesanales del Arco Atlántico - PRESPO” (Programme INTERREG IV B - UE, ERDF).