Pinna nobilis: observed in Taranto, it is not yet extinct

The bivalve mollusk giant of the Mediterranean does not seem to be extinct yet. Yes, because one was found between Mar Piccolo, Mar Grande and Ionio, off the coast of Taranto. It seems that there are only 5-6 living specimens left in the world. To think that in the past there were more than 10 thousand.

The scientific name is Pinna nobilis, until a few years ago the population was significant. However, since 2016, the specimens of this giant mollusk have started to go extinct. First on the Spanish coasts and then everywhere, with a 100% mortality rate. So the recent sighting of one of the few surviving specimens was an epic event. A favorable news for their preservation.

The mollusk is also known as castanets of the sea, an endemic species that has lived in the Mediterranean for millennia. Reminiscent of a huge mussel over a meter high with a lifespan of up to 20 years. Right in Gulf of Taranto a few years ago there were 10,000 copies of Pinna Nobilis.

Since 2016, the population has collapsed due to infection caused by a protozoa and other diseases still under study. The constant monitoring of Mare Per Semper during this period has yielded a small but great result. Thanks to the collaboration with Taranto Coast Guard personnel, the discovery of some living specimens gives us hope for the conservation of the species.

Mare Forever Association

In addition, the sea castanets, like other marine species, are at risk from fishing, climate change and degradation of the seabed. Don’t forget the disappearance of the Posidonia oceanica. Taranto’s Water Research Institute-CNR has restarted the campaign “SOS Pinna” to protect this suggestive mollusk.