EXPERIMENTAL TESTING OF FIELD TECHNIQUES FOR FARMING THE SOFT-SHELL CLAM (MYA ARENARIA)

During our Phase I efforts critical questions were answered and several techniques developed, enabling us to foresee a commercially viable clam aquaculture industry. The primary objective of our research during Phase II will be to continue developing the tools realized during Phase I feasibility trails. The overall goal remains to develop the necessary techniques to successful farm the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria. To accomplish this objective, our efforts will be focused on hatchery and Floating Upweller System (FLUPSY) optimization, long-term grow-out investigations, and comparisons of several alternate grow-out strategies. To accomplish this the project proposes to 1) Optimize hatchery operations, by performing temperature studies, and evaluating larval nutrition; 2) Optimize FLUPSY operations by, evaluating initial stocking density and flow rate; 3) Determine long-term grow-out strategies by evaluating initial planting density vs. growth and survival; comparing initial planting size vs. survival; and determining what factors make a growing area viable for planting; 4) Compare alternate grow-out strategies vs. natural environment by evaluating land-based grow-out vs. field planting and assessing contained FLUPSY grow-out.