Biodiversidade de moluscos da zona entre-marés da cidade de Pemba (Moçambique)

The harvest of molluscs during the low tide is a common practice in the shores of Pemba, Northern Mozambique and is an important food source for local populations, namely families living along the coastal areas. This study aims to characterize the biodiversity of molluscs harvested by collectors on four beaches located in the urban area of Pemba. Samples were taken monthly, from March to August 2016. A total of 55 species were registered, 12 bivalves and 43 gastropods. The bivalves Modiolus auriculatus and Anadara antiquata were the most collected, respectively on rocky substrate and on seagrasses. The low abundance of M. auriculatus in the Marinha beach, with rocky substrate, is probably related to pollution and to over-exploitation of the species in this beach, the closer to the city.