Conservation Actions
Are We Protecting Them Enough?
Due to the sharp decline in the global population and the high risk of extinction, the species is strictly protected under various international and national laws and directives, as well as within existing marine protected areas. Currently, Pinna nobilis is protected under the European Council’s Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and the Barcelona Convention UNEP SPA/BD Protocol.
After the onset of mass mortality events in Spain, 215 individuals believed to be unaffected by the pathogen were transferred from unaffected populations to ex situ aquariums at various research institutions, initiating conservation efforts.
Following the spread of mortality, countries like France, Italy, and Tunisia developed national monitoring programs to map and assess the status of their Pinna populations along their coasts.
In Turkey, Pinna nobilis has been under protection since 1997 and remains on the list of protected (prohibited) species in Turkey (published in the Official Gazette on March 9, 1997, No. 22928). As recommended by the IUCN, areas with high-density populations must be preserved, and conservation measures must address all impacts that could cause incidental mortality.