This study evaluated the status of the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) in the River Lima estuary (Portugal),which it first invaded in 2002. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, spatial and temporal variations in the abundance, biomassand population structure of C. fluminea were investigated in this estuary. This species was present in a limited intertidal area ofthe estuary and was rarely found in the subtidal zone. Its abundance and biomass were considerably lower than those found inother estuarine systems. Based on these studies it appears that salinity fluctuations and possibly other factors such as nutrientsand environmental contaminants are keeping this invasive species from reaching its full potential. Given the lower abundanceand biomass recorded and the restrict distribution of the species in this estuary, the eradication of this nonindigenous invasivespecies is still possible. The findings of this study may be useful for the management of this species not only in the River Limaestuary but also in other locations it may invade.
