Document Type

Presentation

The Effect of Water Turbulence and Stocking Density on Mactromeris Polynyma Growth and Survival in a Subtidal Nursery Setting

Authors

Emmah Day, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences | University of Maine at Machias | Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education
Justin Lewis, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences | University of Maine at Machias | Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education
Brian Beal, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences | University of Maine at Machias | Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education
Cody Jourdet, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences | University of Maine at Machias | Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education

Publication Date

2017

Place of conference

University of Maine

Abstract/ Summary

The Arctic surfclam, Mactromeris polynyma, while native to the Maine coast is generally found only in deep water. The market for these clams has historically been restricted to their use in Asian cuisine. In an attempt to improve the declining clamming industry in Downeast Maine the Downeast Institute (DEI) is attempting to cultivate Mactromeris in a similar way as other shellfish already being cultivated.

This study examined growth and survival of cultured Arctic surfclam juveniles at a sheltered site (Inner Mud Hole Cove 44.4852778, -67.5863889) and a more exposed site located approximately 650 m away at the mouth of the cove. It was hypothesized that the more sheltered site might present more favorable conditions for growth and survival (more food, less stress due to wave action). In addition, the study examined intraspecific density on surfclam growth and survival. In previous studies (Beal et al., 2016, unpubl.) clams stocked at lower densities tended to show higher survival and growth. Clams were stocked at either 40 or 20 per tray in this experiment.

Repository Citation

Day, Emmah; Lewis, Justin; Beal, Brian; and Jourdet, Cody, "The Effect of Water Turbulence and Stocking Density on Mactromeris Polynyma Growth and Survival in a Subtidal Nursery Setting" (2017). Poster & Slide Presentations. 2.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/ari_posters/2

Version

other