Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

Shellfish aquaculture, particularly Hard clams (Mercenaria spp.) (Gmelin, 1791), has been a growing industry in the United States for their demand in the seafood market as well as their filtering of excess nutrients and algae in coastal habitats. In efforts to restore hard clams in Sarasota Bay, FL and implement a natural detoxifier in the ecosystem, Sarasota Baywatch and New College of Florida tested ideal sites for restoring a hard clam population. Four hundred Mercenaria campechiensis were transplanted to four bare-bottom sites. The clams were separated into three 11mm mesh bags of 25 clams each based on size and monitored bi-weekly for 14 weeks. Site 2 exhibited the most growth as well as a low mortality rate (4.0%). The results suggest that there are acceptable locations for clam growth and survival. Replicates of this study, in addition to utilizing other clam containment methods, can help to further understand the ideal conditions for this bivalve species within Sarasota Bay.

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