Comparison of Three Culture Methods for the Intensive Culture of Northern Quahog Seed, Mercenaria mercenaria

A number of approaches have been utilized for growing bivalve hatchery seed (1 mm) to a size suitable for field planting (< 8 mm) but few have been directly compared. This study evaluated the growth and survival of northern quahog seed in three different culture systems and two different stocking densities. The three systems were: 1) a stacked-tray unit with downward water flow; 2) traditional upweller culture units with water flowing upward without seed bed expansion; and 3) upweller culture units with water flowing upward at fluidization velocities to provide seed bed expansion. The two stocking densities were 1.0 and 3.0 g whole wet weight clam/cm² respectively. During each trial period the seed clams were fed a 1% daily ration (% dry weight algae per wet weight clam per day) of the cultured diatom Chaetoceros muelleri . After 14 d of culture at the 1.0 g whole wet weight/cm² stocking density, seed clams (4.4 ± 0.6 mm initial shell length) under fluidized-flow condition exhibited better growth (0.54/d), and a greater final shell length (5.9 ± 1.0 mm). At the high density stocking conditions, after 28 d of culture, seed clams (4.2 ± 0.6 mm initial shell length) in the fluidized-flow culture conditions again exhibited better growth rate (0.031/d) and a greater final shell length (6.0 ± 1.0 mm). The preliminary evaluation of fluidized-flow for seed clam culture in land-based nurseries indicates its potential as a suitable alternative to raceway, downwelling, or traditional forced-flow culture methods.     

Adding value to live, commercial size soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria L.) in Maine, USA: results from repeated, small-scale, field impoundment trials

The soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria L.) fishery in the state of Maine, USA, is worth $5–10 million annually and is primarily based on the sale of live individuals. More than 80% of the catch is sold for the “steamer clam” market that is highly seasonal due to supply and demand. Prices paid to harvesters for live clams throughout the year increases by as much as 70% during a 4-month period between early spring and late summer. If clams harvested in the spring could be held until late summer, a value-added product could be developed in this fishery. From April to August 1996, at an intertidal and subtidal location in eastern Maine, I tested whether it was biologically feasible to impound commercially harvested clams (shell LENGTH=44–75 mm) at densities between 720 and 850/m² using cages and nets (1.12 m²) to protect animals from predators. Survival was 91.7% (n=12) and 91.6% (n=6) at the intertidal and subtidal site, respectively. There was no discernible shell growth during this period and there was no difference between initial and final clam weights. The methodology was transferred to commercial harvesters in two Maine communities: Wiscasset (1997 and 1998) and Perry (2000). Impounded clams ( =21.8 kg/cage; n=18) lost, on average, 5 kg/cage in 1997 and 1998, whereas no significant net loss in wet weight occurred in cages deployed in 2000 ( =23.2 kg/cage; n=3). Differing harvesting and handling methods of individual clammers, prior to impounding clams, likely explains the variation in weight lost during the impounding periods. The difference in price per live kilogram between the beginning of the impounding period and the August sale date resulted in an average gain of $13.60/cage for clammers in 1997 and 1998 and $57.73/cage in 2000. Simple culture techniques can be used to increase the value of the live harvest of soft-shell clams along the coast of Maine. Clam impoundments may be a way for communities that co-manage the public clam resource with the state's marine resource agency to generate funds to pay for traditional management schemes, as well as enhancement programs that employ hatchery-reared juveniles. In addition, an indirect benefit of clam impoundments might be to create spawner sanctuaries since animals are impounded during the time when gamete release occurs.     

Village-based farming of the giant clam, Tridacna gigas (L.), for the aquarium market: initial trials in Solomon Islands

Between 1989 and 1992, small-scale grow-out trials of cultured Tridacna gigas (L.) were established at 40 coastal villages in Solomon Islands. The juvenile giant clams were delivered to village participants at a mean size of 34.6 mm shell length (SL) and a mean age of 380 days. The clams were grown in cages of wire mesh placed on trestles in shallow, subtidal, coral reef habitats. After a mean grow-out period of 297 days, the clams were a mean size of 77.6 mm SL, a suitable size for sale to the aquarium market. Mean growth rate was 4.1 mm month^?1. In 32 of the 53 cages involved in the trials, all clams were removed completely from the cage every 3 months for cleaning. The mean survival rate of these clams was 54%. The clams in the remaining 21 cages were not removed for cleaning and their survival was significantly lower (22%). The growth rate of clams removed for cleaning (3.7 mm month^?1) was, however, significantly lower than the growth rate of undisturbed clams (4.8 mm month^?1). At current prices for juvenile T. gigas in the aquarium trade, farmers who regularly cleaned clams would have netted a minimum of US$180 for a cage initially stocked with 390 clams. Fanners who did not clean their clams would have netted only US$40 per cage due to poorer survival.     

Fate and legacy of an invasion: extinct and extant populations of the soft‐shell clam (Mya arenaria) in Grays Harbor (Washington)

1. The soft‐shell clam, Mya arenaria, was intentionally introduced to Washington State during the mid‐1870s. Presently, extensive shell deposits cover parts of the intertidal flats of Grays Harbor, an estuarine ecosystem that has received much attention because of its role as nursery ground for Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), a commercially significant species. 2. Preliminary observations revealed that shells in the deposits belonged to clams that were much larger than extant conspecifics. Shell deposits and extant populations have spatially disjoint distributions; few individuals are found living within the deposits. The purpose of our study was to determine the cause of the different size characteristics between extinct and extant clams, when and how the deposits originated, and why the extant population does not prosper in what appears to be prime habitat. 3. We (i) surveyed extant populations and shell deposits, (ii) followed the extant population through periodic sampling over a 3‐year period, (iii) investigated growth and survival in extant and extinct populations, (iv) experimentally manipulated growth conditions, and (v) searched archival sources for information about the origin of the deposits. 4. We conclude that extinct clams grew faster and lived longer, apparently because they occupied the best habitats available. Archival records suggest that the population expanded rapidly during the period around 20 years after its introduction, but was decimated between 1895 and 1897 by a mass‐mortality episode that resulted in the formation of the deposits. The population since then has never rebounded in its prime habitat, in spite of potential settlers being regularly available. 5. Dungeness crab larvae settle preferentially in the shell deposits, where the abundance of 0+ age juveniles is orders of magnitude higher than in the adjacent flats. We hypothesize that predation by juvenile crabs limits clam recruitment. 6. The introduction of Mya to Grays Harbor during the 1870s has had long‐lasting effects, which persist a century after their once large populations were decimated by a mass‐mortality event. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of different growing techniques and substrate types on the growth and survival of the clams Tapes dorsatus (Lamarck) and Katelysia rhytiphora (Lamy)

Potential clam farming areas containing clean sandy sediment accessible at low tide are limited in New South Wales, Australia. The availability of farming infrastructure such as oyster racks and floating devices along with the prevalence of sediment other than clean sand prompted the assessment of farming methods for Tapes dorsatus (Lamarck) and Katelysia rhytiphora (Lamy) and sediment preferences for T. dorsatus. This study indicates that both clam species, when contained in baskets, grow (whole weight and shell length increase) significantly faster (P < 0.05) in the sediment followed by in floating baskets, on racks or on the sediment in that order. However, the survival of K. rhytiphora was significantly higher (P < 0.05) on the rack (99%) than in the other situations (72–85%). A similar trend was observed for T. dorsatus but it was not significant (P > 0.05). Tapes dorsatus held in a sandy-shell substrate grew faster than those cultured in substrates of only shell, sand or mud at the same intertidal site, Survival rates over 6 months were high in all these translocated sediments and ranged from 95 to 100%. Tapes dorsatus grown in the same sediments in a nearby tidally-exchanged subtidal pond reached market size (～ 38 mm) after 6 months of grow-out and were over twice as heavy (whole weight 10.0–11.9 g) as those grown inter-tidally (whole weight 3.7–5.7 g).     

Culture of Juvenile Atlantic Surfclams, Spisula solidissima solidissima and Spisula solidissima similis, in Forced-Flow Upwellers in a Bivalve Hatchery in Coastal Georgia

Four experimental growth studies for juvenile Atlantic surfclams, Spisula solidissima solidissima and Spisula solidissima similis , under hatchery conditions were conducted in 10-cm diameter forced-flow upweller units. Experiments were designed to determine optimum food ration (2%, 5%, and 8% g dry weight of algae/g wet weight of clam), water culture temperature (20, 25, and 30°C), flow rate (2, 4, and 6 Lpm), and stocking density (7, 14, and 21 g wet weight of clams) for rearing juvenile clams in upweller units. Each experimental trial was performed for a 14-d period. Nested Analysis of Variance showed that juvenile surfclams Spisula solidissima similis grew significantly faster at a temperature of 20°C and food rations of 5 % and 8%. In all four experiments, clam mortalities were not observed except in the temperature experiment, where total mortality occurred for clams cultured at 30°C. Clam growth in biomass and size decreased significantly with increases in culture temperature. For Spisula solidissima solidissima , clam growth was significantly reduced in terms of size and biomass at a flow rate of 6 Lpm. No difference in size or biomass was determined between clams grown at a flow rate of 2 or 4 Lpm. Surfclams at the lowest stocking density of 7 g wet weight significantly increased more in net biomass compared to those at higher stocking densities. Clams were significantly larger in shell length when grown at the two lower stocking densities compared to those at the highest stocking density. Hatchery-rearing protocol for juvenile surfclams is discussed.     

Some effects of gas-supersaturated seawater on Spisula solidissima and Argopecten irradians

Two size classes of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima, and the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, were exposed to different concentrations of gas-supersaturated seawater in a flowing seawater system. Both species tested experienced no mortality when held in the control treatment maintained at 96% oxygen and 109% nitrogen. Mortality, gill tissue damage, gas emboli, membranous tissue blisters, and abnormal secretion of shell material were induced experimentally at elevated levels of gas supersaturation. Results indicate significant mortalities of surf clams and scallops held at 114% O₂ and 195% N₂, and at higher levels of gas concentration. These values suggest a point of reference for the bivalve culturist in identifying potential problems which can be caused by gas-supersaturated seawater.     

缢蛏选育系F5的生长优势比较及育种效应分析

以6个缢蛏(Sinonovacula constricta)自然群体(浙江象山群体、浙江乐清群体、福建霞浦群体、福建长乐群体、江苏射阳群体和上海崇明群体)为材料,构建基础群体F_0,采用群体选育方法进行多代连续选育(选择强度2.063),比较了选育系F_5与对照群体的生长差异,并估计F_5的选择反应、现实遗传力和遗传获得。结果表明,F_5的卵径及受精率与对照组无显著差异(P0.05),但F_5的变态率、存活率及后期壳长生长明显优于对照组(P0.05);7~360日龄F_5壳长的选择反应、现实遗传力与遗传获得的变化范围分别为0.30~0.78,0.14~0.37和4.83%~42.18%,平均为(0.49±0.06),(0.23±0.08)和(26.49±11.73)%。研究结果表明,对缢蛏的连续多代选育是有效的,可以明显提高其存活能力和主要经济性状。     

胶州湾移植底播菲律宾蛤仔的生长和死亡特性

2004年5月至2005年4月对胶州湾菲律宾蛤仔（Rudimpes philippinarum）底播增殖区进行了逐月定点采样，将样品带回放于实验室内水族箱暂养，每站随机取样，共对3269个个体进行了基本生物学特性测定，研究了移植底播菲律宾蛤仔的生长、死亡等渔业生物学特性。结果表明，底播增殖菲律宾蛤仔苗种的平均个体质量0．26g、平均壳长11．1mm；底播蛤仔与野生蛤仔在生长规律上基本一致，春末至秋初（4～9月）是其主要生长期；1～3龄期间个体生长速度较快，1～2龄、2～3龄，个体质量分别增长3．88g和4．02g；1～2龄生物量增长最快，2～3龄由于死亡率增大，其生物量增长缓慢；1～3龄蛤仔软体部的生长速度快于贝壳，5～6月是菲律宾蛤仔的繁殖肥育期。根据个体生长特性，3龄为最佳采捕年龄；根据目前的养殖状况，2龄蛤仔已达到商品规格，从生物量上分析，采捕2龄蛤仔收益最高；6月是最佳的捕获时期。蛤仔生长具有明显的季节变化，水温是影响菲律宾蛤仔生长的主要环境因子。[中国水产科学，2006，13（4）：642—649]     

砂海螂底播增养殖的研究↑（*）

在烟台北部沿海进行了砂海螂底播增养殖技术研究,选择风浪小、流速不大于０．１ｍ／ｓ的砂泥底质内湾海区。底播前应松动底表层,清除敌害。１０～１１月播放壳长１２ｃｍ的贝苗。经约３年的生长,平均壳长达７．３ｃｍ,平均个体重５０ｇ,存活率达１５％以上。     

SEM observations on larval shell morphology of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum and their utility

Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is common and abundant on Japanese tidal flats, forming a commercially important clam fishery. However, annual catches of Manila clam have decreased drastically since 1975?C1985. To study larval recruitment processes of Manila clam, we carried out scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations on larval and juvenile shells of clams reared at 20 and 24?°C. There was no significant difference in final shell length of trochophores between 20 and 24?°C. However, the larval duration was much longer and the shell length of settled size of pediveligers was much larger for clams reared at 20?°C than those reared at 24?°C. These findings suggest that larval duration and growth, as well as settlement size, may vary markedly depending on temperature (and probably on season). The larval shell morphology of Manila clam can provide essential information about larval recruitment processes.     

Growth of the hard clam Meretrix lusoria in Taiwan

The growth of hard clam Meretrix lusoria in Taiwan was observed as it was grown at six different stocking rates (55, 109, 172, 244, 344 and 455 clams/m²), from November 1979 to September 1980. It was found that the stocking rate had more effect on the increase of the total weight of the clam than on the shell length. Under the environmental condition of the study site, the optimum stocking rate was 244 clams/m². When the net production of the clam was lower than 1103 g/m², the growth of the individual clam was not affected by the stocking rate. But when the net production was higher than 1589 g/m², the growth of the individual clam seemed to be retarded. The average pH of the sea water in the clam culture area was between 7.9 and 8.4. The average dissolved oxygen content was between 4.2 and 11.2 mg/l. And the average water salinity was between 30‰ and 35‰. All these three factors did not seem to have direct relationship with the growth of the clams. Sea water temperature, however, showed great effects on the growth of the clams. It is shown that the growth of the hard clam was slow at a water temperature of 15–18°C, increased at 20–22°C, and accelerated at 25–32°C.     

Seasonal effects of clams (Panopea generosa) on eelgrass (Zostera marina) density but not recovery dynamics at an intertidal site

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不同地理群体菲律宾蛤仔表型性状的相关性与通径分析

随机选取繁殖时期的南方群体北方养殖菲律宾蛤仔(SN)、北方土著品种(NN)和南方群体南方养殖蛤仔(SS),测量其壳长(SL)、壳高(SH)、壳宽(SW)、活体质量(mL)、软体质量(mM)和烘干后软体部干质量(mF),采用相关与通径分析方法分析不同地理群体的菲律宾蛤仔表型性状对软体质量的作用效果,为菲律宾蛤仔的选择育种提供理论依据和测度指标。试验结果表明,不同地理群体菲律宾蛤仔的形态学指标无显著差异(P>0.05);不同地理群体各数量性状之间的相关关系均达到极显著水平(P<0.01);决定系数分析表明,不同地理群体菲律宾蛤仔影响软体质量的主要表型性状并不相同,南方群体北方养殖蛤仔群体的壳宽直接作用最大,壳宽通过壳高的间接作用是次要因素;北方土著品种群体壳长是主要因素,壳长通过壳高的间接作用是次要因素;南方群体南方养殖蛤仔群体壳高的直接作用是主要因素,壳长通过壳高的间接作用是次要因素。对通径系数检验不显著的自变量进行删除,利用逐步回归的方法,建立不同地理群体菲律宾蛤仔软体质量的最优回归方程:SN群体,mM1=-4.276+0.211SH+0.116SW;NN群体,mM2=-2.806+0.088SL+0.087SH;SS群体,mM3=-3.101+0.290SH。回归方程分析表明回归关系均达到极显著水平(P<0.01)。     

Rearing of marine fish larvae in Japan: Katsuzo Kuronuma and Kunihiko Fukosho. IDRC,Ottawa, Ont., 1984. 109 pp., illus., ISBN 0-88936-406-0, IDRC-TS47e (also available as microfiche)

Serotonin induced spawning in six bivalve species using individual spawning techniques without any additional stimuli. Intragonadal injection of serotonin induced spawning in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians, the American oyster Crassostrea virginica, and the surf clam Spisula solidissima. Injection of serotonin into the anterior adductor muscle of the ocean quahog Arctica islandica, the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa, and the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria induced spawning. The dosage of 0.4 ml of 2 mM serotonin solution used in this study stimulated bivalves to spawn within 15 min.     

Hatchery production of diploid and triploid clams, Tapes dorsatus (Lamarck 1818): a potential new species for aquaculture

To assess the potential for hatchery production of the venerid clam, Tapes dorsatus, diploid and triploid clams were produced and ongrown until the spat reached 5–8 mm in size. Triploidy percentages at metamorphosis that ranged from 56 to 85% were induced using a 15-min exposure to 1 mg/l cytochalasin B. No differences were observed in the growth rate of sibling diploid and triploid T. dorsatus larvae. Survival of diploid clams to pediveliger stage was however higher. Post-metamorphic growth and survival of diploid and triploid clams remained the same until the clams were removed from the hatchery to outdoor nurseries. Throughout the larval and early spat phases of production, T. dorsatus growth was similar to that reported for the Manila clam, Tapes philippinarum. Based upon its ease of culture, rapid growth and marketability, T. dorsatus are thought to have considerable aquaculture potential.     

文蛤动态能量收支模型构建、验证与应用

为评估文蛤生态容量,实验根据动态能量收支理论,基于R语言构建了文蛤动态能量收支模型,采用线性与非线性回归法估算模型参数,通过对比围塘环境下文蛤壳长、湿重、软体部湿重的实测值与模拟值验证模型,并应用于模拟黄海海域滩涂区文蛤的生长过程。结果显示,文蛤模型主要参数形状系数、阿伦纽斯温度系数和单位体积结构物质所需能量分别为0.57、9 278 K和2 056 J/cm³;实测与模拟的文蛤壳长、湿重和软体部湿重相关系数R²平均为0.996,模拟值与实测值的平均误差为3.58%;如东沿海区域6月实测文蛤软体部干重为0.48 g,壳长3.12 cm,模型模拟的软体部干重、湿重和壳长分别为0.476 g,6.6 g和3.2 cm。研究表明,实验构建的文蛤动态能量收支模型的准确度较高,可真实地反映出文蛤在自然水域中的生长过程,为评估文蛤生态容纳量及构建文蛤相关的生态系统模型提供科学参考。     

Growing Giant Clam (Tridacna Derasa) in Aquaculture Effluent

Juvenile giant clams (Hippopus spp. and Tridacna spp.) are highly valuable and popular in the aquarium trade due to their brightly colored mantles with various patterns. Giant clams are unique bivalves in that they possess symbiotic zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium). A previous study by the authors demonstrated the feasibility of culturing giant clams in aquaculture effluent. Among the four species tested (Tridacna derasa, T. gigas, T. maxima, and T. squamosa), T. derasa was the most suitable for culturing in effluent. The present study compared the growth, survivorship, and condition indexes of T. derasa (mean initial shell length about 83mm) cultured in fish culture effluent or seawater for six months. The clams grew significantly faster (1.29 vs. 0.93mm shell length/month) and had marginally significant (p = 0.076) higher survivorship (94.1% vs. 77.7%) than those in control seawater. Total (shell and tissue) and tissue weight indexes (g/mm shell length), and mitotic index (% dividing zooxanthellae) were similar between the treatment and control clams; whereas zooxanthellae density (number of zooxanthellae/g clam tissue) of the clams in the effluent tanks was 2.5 times higher than that in control tanks.     

The effect of energy reserves and cryoprotectants on overwintering mortality in Mercenaria mercenaria notata (Say 1822) at two tidal levels

The objective of this study is to identify possible causes of the high winter mortality noted in juvenile Mercenaria mercenaria notata in eastern Canada. The percentage mortality, shell growth, concentration of energy reserves, and production of cryoprotectant molecules were compared between notata and native quahogs kept at intertidal and subtidal levels. Overwintering mortality of the notata strain reached 47.2% and was 3–9 times higher than that of the native strain. Shell increment was higher in the native than in the notata strain and also at the intertidal than at the subtidal level. The quahogs from the subtidal zone had a higher concentration of protein than those from the intertidal zone in August and April but a lower concentration in February. The notata strain had a lower concentration of lipids and glucose (34.9 and 0.21 mg g⁻¹ dry weight) than the native strain (42.2 and 0.28 mg g⁻¹ dry weight). Thermal hysteresis was detected in none of the quahog groups. High winter mortality in the notata strain seems to be caused, in part, by a lower capacity to stock lipid compared with the native strain. The higher concentration of glucose in the native strain may favour survival in cold water by helping to reduce the freezing point of the animals’ fluids.