Status of giant clam resources around Okinawa‐jima Island,Ryukyu Archipelago,Japan

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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.     

Improving culture techniques for village-based farming of giant clams (Tridacnidae)

Eight experiments aimed at improving methods for the village-based farming of giant clams were conducted in the Solomon Islands. The experiments focused on either improving the fitness of seed clams delivered to village farmers, assessing whether differential growth rates of seed clams in nursery tanks persisted during grow-out at farms, or testing the effects of alterations to the design of grow-out cages on the growth and survival of clams. We found that Tridacna squamosa (Lamarck) ‘seed’ transferred from land-based nursery tanks to a floating ocean nursery (FON) for ≈ 3 months at the end of the nursery phase were significantly larger than seed reared only in land-based nursery tanks. Similarly, T. maxima (Röding) placed in a FON for 2–5 months generally grew at a significantly greater rate than tank-reared ‘seed’. However, the use of FONs did not improve survival. There were no consistent differences in the growth and survival of fast- and slow-growing seed of T. derasa (Röding) at village sites when slow-growing seed were retained in the nursery until reaching a larger size. The survival of T. maxima was enhanced significantly by placing an insert of smaller mesh (a ‘settlement ring’) in grow-out cages for the first 2 months after delivery of seed to farmers. The settlement ring retained clams in cages until they found a suitable place to attach their byssal threads. Attempts to remove the sediment which impedes the attachment of T. maxima to the base of grow-out cages by perforating the substrate did not improve survival: the perforated substrate resulted in poor attachment of clams and harboured predators (Cymatium spp.). The survival of T. crocea (Lamarck) was not improved by ‘softening’ the concrete base of grow-out cages to simulate dead coral rock and to encourage the clams to burrow in the substrate. The survival of T. crocea in grow-out cages was enhanced significantly by enclosing the cages in fine mesh after the delivery of the seed clams to prevent predation and disturbance by juvenile wrasse, Thalassoma spp. The experiments indicate that the critical stage for village farming of giant clams is during the initial weeks following distribution of seed. Further research is needed to improve the survival of T. crocea and T. maxima during this phase.     

Drivers of density for the exploited giant clam Tridacna maxima: a meta‐analysis

Giant clam populations have been over‐exploited throughout their range over the past decades for their meat and shells. Tridacna maxima, commonly known as the ‘small giant clam’, has remained relatively untargeted by fishers in areas where larger species occur (e.g. Tridacna squamosa), and high densities of the species are still observed on some isolated and enclosed reefs of the Central Pacific. However, it is unclear whether reported discrepancies in densities worldwide reflect differences in fishing pressure only or a combination of differences in exploitation levels and environmental forcing. We reviewed T. maxima surveys throughout its range to (i) identify patterns of density at global scale, site scale (e.g. island) and intrasite scale; (ii) discuss the influence of sampling method on density estimates; and (iii) identify the primary drivers of giant clam density along gradients of human pressure and natural forcing. We found 59 studies that reported density estimates for 172 sites across 26 countries in the Indo‐Pacific and Red Sea. At intrasite scale, densities were strongly dependent on sampling protocols and surveyed habitats. At site scale, we found close links between T. maxima density and human population per reef area, suggesting that isolated reefs where exploitation only recently started may be more vulnerable to stock collapse in the future. Density patterns were also found to vary significantly depending on reef type (e.g. atoll, island, continental coastline). We discuss how natural processes and fishing pressure may control population dynamics and densities among sites, and make recommendations for future research.     

Can giant clam (Tridacna squamosa) populations be restored on Singapore's heavily impacted coral reefs?

• 1. Giant clams have been a sustainable resource for millennia, but unregulated harvesting has led to local extinctions within the Indo‐Pacific region. Giant clam mariculture can produce large numbers of juveniles for restocking wild populations where natural recruitment is low or absent.
• 2. Singapore is surrounded by more than 60 small islands, many with fringing reefs. These reefs, however, experience increased turbidity and sedimentation resulting from massive coastal development projects and regular dredging of shipping lanes.
• 3. Seven reefs off Singapore's southern islands were surveyed (9670 m²) for giant clams. Also, an experiment was conducted to determine the growth of Tridacna squamosa reared in aquaria under three light treatments: ～50% ambient photosynthetically active radiation (PAR); ～25% ambient PAR; and ～12% ambient PAR. Finally, 144 clams (T. squamosa) were transplanted to four reefs around Singapore to study survival and growth in a heavily impacted environment.
• 4. A total of 23 adult clams from three species were found during the survey, representing a mean density of 0.24 per 100 m². Most clams were found at Raffles Lighthouse, Singapore's ‘best’ reef. No juvenile clams were encountered. In the aquarium experiment, clam growth was significantly different among the three light treatments, with growth greatest in the ～50% ambient PAR treatment. Of the 144 transplanted clams, 116 (80.6%) were recovered after 7 months. All specimens had increased in size, with growth rates among reefs ranging from 3.3 mm month^?1 (SD=1.3 mm) to 4.8 mm month^?1 (SD=1.6 mm).
• 5. Results suggest that, despite high levels of sedimentation and turbidity on Singapore's reefs, giant clams can survive and grow well. Restocking efforts using maricultured clams may be effective in enhancing the dwindling local populations. It is not clear, however, whether a self‐sustaining community can be established as high sedimentation may hinder larval settlement and survival.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mortality of the short-neck clam <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ruditapes philippinarum</Emphasis> induced by the toxic dinoflagellate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heterocapsa circularisquama</Emphasis>

Mortality of the short-neck clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to the toxic dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama was studied under controlled conditions to clarify the mechanisms of recurrent mass deaths of clams occurring in western Japanese coastal areas. One-week mortality tests, involving three water temperatures, six H. circularisquama concentrations, and two clam body sizes, showed a significant increase in mortality with increasing temperature, H. circularisquama concentration, exposure duration, and body size (ANOVA, P < 0.01). Clam death was observed at concentrations as low as 50 cells/ml and temperatures as low as 15°C. Prior to death, clams showed an extreme retraction of their mantle edge and siphon, along with recurrent vomiting behavior before initiating a closure reaction followed by paralysis then death. Gills of paralyzed clams showed an important uptake of dye, implying gill damage. This study is the first laboratory evidence of bivalve mortality induced by H. circularisquama at low concentrations and low temperature, and the first report of differential effects according to the body size of bivalves.     

Comparison of taste and odour characteristics of three mass‐produced aquaculture clams in China

Differences in taste and odour between three kinds of clam with the highest aquacultural production in China were investigated. Meretrix petechialis, Mactra veneriformis and Ruditapes philippinarum (fresh and dried product) were analysed firstly by electronic tongue and electronic nose. Fresh and dried clams could be easily distinguished, and there was little difference between uncooked fresh clams, while greater difference occurred between R. philippinarum and other fresh clams after cooking. The total free amino acid (FAA) content of uncooked clams increased after cooking but decreased in dried clam; the highest proportion was of sweet taste FAAs. Ala, Glu, Arg, 5′‐adenosine monophosphate and 5′‐inosine monophosphate were the most important active taste compounds. The umami intensity order was found to be fresh R. philippinarum, followed by M. petechialis and M. veneriformis, and finally dried R. philippinarum. The greatest number of volatile compounds was found in dried clam, while M. petechialis and M. veneriformis had the most compounds in common.     

Contribution of the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium microadriaticum to the nutrition,growth and survival of larval and juvenile tridacnid clams

The role of the symbiotic alga Symbiodinium microadriaticum (= zooxanthellae) in growth, development, and survival of larval and juvenile tridacnid clams was investigated. The zooxanthellae were not present in eggs released from adult Tridacna gigas and Hippopus hippopus, but were ingested by veliger larvae after development from the trochophore stage. Growth of veligers of the clam H. hippopus fed freshly-isolated S. microadriaticum was significantly higher than the growth of starved veligers. In contrast, veligers fed cultured strains of S. microadriaticum and 1–5-day-old isolates of S. microadriaticum from H. hippopus had growth and survival rates not significantly different from starved veligers. These results suggest that translocated photosynthetically-fixed carbon from the ingested freshly-isolated algae was responsible for increased veliger growth and survival.The presence of zooxanthellae in the stomachs of veligers before metamorphosis facilitated establishment of a symbiosis with S. microadriaticum and a concurrent increase in growth after metamorphosis. The establishment of the symbiosis with S. microadriaticum entailed passage of the algae from the stomach, through the digestive gland, and into the developing haemal sinuses. The contribution of photosynthetically-fixed carbon from the symbiotic zooxanthellae could theoretically account for the respiratory demand of 6-week-old juveniles of H. hippopus, corroborating positive growth of unfed symbiotic juvenile clams maintained in filtered seawater.When offered a variety of free-living and symbiotic species of algae, juvenile H. hippopus established a symbiosis only with strains of S. microadriaticum. Other species of algae were apparently digested if small enough to be ingested. Less than 7% of the free-living phytoplankton species Isochrysis galbana and Platymonas subcordiformis that were ingested by symbiotic juvenile Tridacna gigas (3–12 months old) were passed intact through the digestive system after 3 days. In contrast, when freshly-isolated zooxanthellae from T. gigas were offered to symbiotic juvenile T. gigas, up to 76% of the zooxanthellae ingested passed through the clam's digestive system and were released in faecal pellets intact. The symbiotic dinoflagellate Amphidinium klebsii and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum were not ingested by veliger or juvenile clams.     

Protein expression profiling in haemocytes and plasma of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in response to infection with Perkinsus olseni

The protein expression profiling in clam haemocytes and plasma in response to Perkinsus olseni was addressed. Adult Manila clams from a P. olseni‐free bed were experimentally challenged with parasite zoospores to analyse immune response. In another experiment, the effects of longer term infection were assessed in adult clams collected from a P. olseni‐affected bed, by comparing moderate to very heavily infected clams with non‐infected ones. Haemocyte and plasma proteins were separated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis; spot patterns were qualitatively compared between treatments within each experiment and the spots indicating differential protein expression associated with P. olseni challenge or with field infection were processed for protein identification. Fifteen clam proteins (four in haemocytes and eleven in plasma) of which expression was markedly affected by P. olseni were identified. Some of the identified proteins have a well‐known role in clam immune response against the parasite, such as lysozyme and lectins. Rho GTPase‐activating protein 6 could be a marker of resistance against P. olseni, which should be further studied.     

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.     

Abundance and culture trials of Ruditapes philippinarum (Adam and Reeve, 1850), and abundance of Tellina (Quidnipagus) palatum (Iredale, 1929) at two sites in Kāne'ohe Bay,O'ahu,Hawai'i

Abundance, length‐frequencies and distribution of Ruditapes philippinarum (Manila Clams) and Tellina (Quidnipagus) palatum were measured at two beaches in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i in June, 2010. Abundances had decreased from 866.2 m^?2 to 3.4 m^?2 for Ruditapes and from 75.5 m^?2 to 1.5 m^?2 for T. palatum since 1977. Distribution of both species was patchy, but both were most commonly found >40 m from shore. Size frequencies of live clams compared with empty shells suggest that few Ruditapes survive to sexual maturity. A similar trend was not detected for T. palatum. Aquaculture trials of R. philippinarum were conducted at the He'eia and Moli'i traditional Hawaiian fishponds in the same bay. The clams failed to thrive, although triploid and diploid Crassostrea gigas performed well in concurrent trials in the same fishponds. Current lower abundances for wild R. philippinarum could be due to factors related to predation or nutrient limitations. Previously, two large sewage outfalls existed at the surveyed clam bed areas which may have temporarily increased nutrient availability for both wild and cultured clams. Current nutrient levels may inhibit Manila clam growth and recruitment in Kāne'ohe Bay.     

Effect of increased irradiance and thermal stress on the symbiosis of Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Tridacna gigas

The impetus for this study was the mass bleaching event of giant clams in 1997–1998 at several reefs in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR, Australia). From September until December 1999, the study investigated the effects of high light intensities and increased temperature accompanied by a nutrient limitation on the metabolism of Tridacna gigas, to test, if these environmental changes can induce bleaching. In a 50-day trial similar conditions of the mass bleaching event were imitated stressing clams, collected from Orpheus Island and Nelly Bay, by a two- to threefold light intensity and an increased temperature of 4–6 °C. The objectives of the experiments were to determine whether high light intensities can induce changes in chlorophyll content or alter zooxanthella cell sizes and populations in the tissue. After 50 days of exposure to high light intensity the mantle tissue of stressed clams exhibited a decreased number of zooxanthellae per unit area from 19.8 ± 0.8 (× 10⁷·cm^–2) to 0.2 ± 0.2 (× 10⁷·cm^–2) (mean ± CL). Additionally, the average cell size of zooxanthellae were downsized from 7.4 ± 0.1 μm to 5.3 ± 0.1 μm (mean ± CL). Subsequently, the chlorophyll content of both, chl a and chl c₁, declined as well, chl a from 192 ± 4 to 0.1 ± 0.1 μg·ml^–1 and chl c₁ from 145 ± 6 to 0 μg·ml^–1 (mean ± CL). This study shows that increased light intensity and temperature are the main causes for bleaching in giant clams. Thus, the study confirmed the four major aspects involved in bleaching: (1) loss of symbiotic algae, (2) decrease of chl a/c₁ in the remaining symbiotic algae, (3) retention of small zooxanthellae in the tissue and (4) release of ammonium (NH₄⁺) into the water column while nutrient uptake of ammonium was largely blocked.     

Selection response and realized heritability for growth in three stocks of the Pacific oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crassostrea gigas</Emphasis>

To estimate response to selection and realized heritability for shell height, a one-generation selection was performed in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas using three stocks from China (stock C), Japan (stock J), and Korea (stock K). Applying about the same intensity of selection in the upward direction, three selected and three control lines were created, which were reared under the same environmental conditions at larvae, spat, and grow-out stages. Stock C and stock J showed significantly higher response to selection and realized heritability than stock K at spat and grow-out stages (P < 0.05). At harvest on day 360, the selected lines of stocks C, J, and K were 12.2, 12.2, and 7.9% larger than their control lines, respectively, for shell height. When averaged across the grow-out period, the genetic gain for stocks C, J, and K was 13.2 ± 1.2, 13.2 ± 1.0, and 7.2 ± 0.7%, respectively, and realized heritability was 0.334 ± 0.028, 0.402 ± 0.024 and 0.149 ± 0.027, respectively. The relatively high realized heritability estimate obtained for stock C and stock J indicates that there is genetic variation in the two stocks and that selective breeding by mass selection is very promising.     

Recruitment and movement of the hard clam Meretrix lusoria in a tidal river of northern Kyushu,Japan

Size-frequency distributions of Meretrix lusoria, a commercially important bivalve in Japan, were compared among 6 sites in tidal flats of a small river in Kafuri Bay, northern Kyushu, Japan during 2006–2008. In Kafuri Bay, the hard clam resource is strictly managed and mean biomass of this species on the fishing ground (about 1.5 km²) exceeded 1.5 kg m^?2 in 2008. Small clams (<5 mm in shell length, SL) were most abundant in the border area between the river and the sea, while large clams (>40 mm SL) were rare there. In contrast, in the lower site of the marine area (site L), most clams were >30 mm SL. These results indicate that small clams move from riverine to marine areas with growth (post-settlement movement). Year-round, very small clams (<1 mm SL) were present and clams that were 2–5 mm SL were very rare, although the spawning season is thought to occur in summer. Probably, the early growth of many new recruits is very slow and most may even be <1 mm SL in the next spring, although some clams grow to >5 mm SL in a short period of time.     

Genetic parameters of growth and survival in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is a representative bivalve mollusc that is widely cultured in the world and is the largest molluscan group cultured in China. In order to assess the feasibility of improving survival of C. gigas through genetic selection, the heritability and genetic correlations for growth and survival traits between different life stages were examined. Genetic parameters were estimated based on intraclass correlations of 49 full‐sib families (29 half‐sib families) in larvae (4 and 20 days after fertilization) and spat (140 days after fertilization) stages. The heritability for growth traits in larvae and spat was 0.30–0.86 and 0.53–0.59, respectively, and varied with ages. The heritability of survival was low in larvae (0.13 ± 0.05 and 0.17 ± 0.04, respectively for 4 and 20 days after fertilization) but medium (0.39 ± 0.07) in spat, suggesting that selection for increasing spat survival was feasible. The genetic correlation between growth traits within age was medium to high and positive (ranging from 0.47 to 0.96, respectively, between shell length (SL) and shell height (SH) at 20 days and between SL and SH at 140 days after fertilization), suggesting that selection to improve single growth trait will cause positive response in another growth traits in C. gigas. The genetic correlations between survival and growth traits at 140 days were low but positive (ranging from 0.23 to 0.27, respectively, between survival and SH and between survival and SL at 140 days after fertilization), suggesting that selection for survival may not have a negative response in growth. Overall, this study suggests that survival traits should be taken as improving target of next selection breeding programme in C. gigas.     

光照对不同规格番红砗磲(Tridacna crocea)氧、氨氮及活性磷酸盐代谢的影响

在水温24-26℃下,采用室内实验生态学方法,研究了5000 lx光照强度和黑暗对壳长为(63.53±1.22) mm(S组)、(75.87±1.50) mm (M组)和(92.75±3.02) mm (L组)番红砗磲(Tridacna crocea)氧、氨氮及活性磷酸盐代谢的影响.结果显示,光照条件下,番红砗磲释放氧气,吸收氨氮和活性磷酸盐.黑暗条件下,番红砗磲代谢状况与其他双壳贝类类似.番红砗磲个体代谢率与规格密切相关:光照条件下个体越大,产氧率、对氨氮和活性磷酸盐吸收率越高;黑暗条件下,个体越大,耗氧率、对氨氮和活性磷酸盐释放率亦越高.光照条件下,番红砗磲软体部单位干重代谢率与其个体规格呈负相关,个体越大,单位干重的产氧率、氨氮和活性磷酸盐的吸收率越小.实验首次量化了不同光照条件下番红砗磲对氧、氨氮及活性磷酸盐的吸收和排泄状况,结果可为研究番红砗磲在珊瑚礁生态系统中的作用提供依据,对砗磲人工养殖也具有一定的参考.     

Evaluation of macroalgal detritus as food source for juvenile Manila clam,Ruditapes philippinarum: Effects on growth,amino acid content and fatty acid composition

Sufficient high‐quality microalgae are required for indoor nursery of juvenile Ruditapes philippinarum. However, culturing numerous microalgae to support clam feeding is a heavy burden on many hatcheries. The effects of detritus from the macroalgae Ulva pertusa, Chondrus ocellatus and Undaria pinnatifida on the growth, amino acid content and fatty acid profile of R. philippinarum were assessed as potential substitute diets. The green microalga Tetraselmis cordiformis served as comparative diet. Results revealed that the clams ingesting distinct diets presented no significant differences in growth of soft tissues, but the nutritional component of these clams differed dramatically. The clams fed with Undaria + Tetraselmis had the highest content of essential amino acids and proteins. In addition, the clams fed with single macroalgal diets and mixed macroalgal detritus and Tetraselmis showed significantly higher or statistically equal levels in n‐3/n‐6 ratio and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio with respect to Tetraselmis diets. The relative percentages of EPA and DHA in clams fed with Undaria were 28% and 63% higher than those fed with Tetraselmis, and the arachidonic acid abundances in clams ingesting Undaria + Tetraselmis and Tetraselmis were significantly higher than those in clams ingesting other diets. Together, the diets containing single Undaria or mixed Undaria + Tetraselmis produced Manila clams with nutritional advantages in terms of essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the detritus of macroalgae, especially Undaria, is an appropriate substitute diet, at least partially, for culture of nutrition‐improved R. philippinarum.     

A comparative analysis of harvested and unharvested populations of the smooth Venus clam Chionista fluctifraga in the Gulf of California

The shellfishery of the smooth Venus clam Chionista fluctifraga is not regulated in Mexico. Therefore, information on the ecology of this species and the effects of the fishery on its populations is necessary to inform management. We present results from a comparative analysis of the density, biomass, and size structure of smooth Venus clam populations in an area not subjected to harvest (UH) and two areas under harvest (H1 and H2) in Bahía de San Jorge (Gulf of California). The UH population had a density of 20.8?±?1.4 ind m^?2 and a biomass of 392?±?39.7 g m^?2 on average; the size range was 3.1–55.5 mm (average 28?±?15.2 mm), and the predominant size class was 40–50 mm. The H1 and H2 populations had, respectively, densities of 14.5?±?9.5 and 7?±?6.8 ind m^?2 and biomass of 123.4?±?20.4 and 123.6?±?22.6 g m^?2; the size ranges were 2.1–49 and 4.3–48.7 mm (averages 24.5?±?14.3 and 30.1?±?13.2 mm), and the predominant size classes were 0–10 mm and 40–50 mm. Clams in the three populations show an aggregated distribution and live in medium-fine sands (no significant differences in grain size among sites) with oligotrophic water. Although the densities observed in the harvested sites are relatively high, negative effects of the shellfishery are detected. For example, all clam sizes are being harvested, and clams are no longer found in the uppermost zone in harvested sites, with potential impacts on other species. This poses various threats that, together, may decrease the stability of the intertidal ecosystem and affect productivity.

     

Declining size of adults and juvenile harvest threatens sustainability of a tropical gastropod,Lobatus gigas,fishery

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