Genetic Analysis of Hard Clam Performance in Commercial Culture
Investigators:
Dr. Patrick Baker, University of Florida, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences
Dr. Shirley Baker, University of Florida, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences
Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service
Dr. Brian Bowen, University of Hawaii (courtesy)
Funding:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service
Time Period:
2003 - 2005
Objectives:
The objectives of this research are: 1) To compare performance of multiple
Florida strains of hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, under aquaculture
conditions, and to correlate this performance with genetic diversity, using
mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci in the nuclear genome; and 2) To
conduct basic research and obtain technical expertise necessary to establish the
University of Florida as a partner in a multi-institutional genetics-based hard
clam breeding program.
Clams strains will be obtained from
participating Florida hard clam hatcheries with stocks of known parentage.
Non-Florida strains will not be studied with intent of culture in Florida
waters, and proprietary information for hatcheries will be protected. Clam
performance will be indexed using survival, growth, and within-strain growth
variability, initially for 12-mm clams. Multiple clam strains will be cultured
simultaneously. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites will be used to
quantify genetic diversity in clam strains for which diversity is not known from
prior research. Emphasis will be placed on the use of mtDNA genes for reasons of
cost effectiveness and because mtDNA is most susceptible to population
bottlenecks, which may occur in captive breeding programs. Microsatellites will
be used subsequently as needed to quantify genetic diversity. Correlation
analysis will be used to compare indices of genetic diversity to clam strain
performance.
The University of Florida will establish a
partnership with the U.S.
Geological Sciences Leetown Science Center where
pioneering research on hard clam microsatellites has been conducted.
Technologies and professional expertise will be exchanged as the first step in
establishing long-term working partnerships. We will work with investigators at
the Leetown Science Center to optimize primers for as many of the identified
microsatellite loci as possible.
Accomplishments to Date:
Clam performance will be assessed during 2004 in
raceways in a temporary culture module constructed with prior USDA funding. In
the past, efforts of the UF/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in
addressing research needs of the shellfish aquaculture industry have been
limited without access to such a facility. The Shellfish Aquaculture
Research and Education Facility is
located in Cedar Key, where the hub of the clam aquaculture industry is based.
At this location, the Facility is about 60 miles from UF's campus. The Facility
is to provide support for all phases of the USDA Florida Aquaculture Research
Program pertaining to shellfish, including investigation into alternative
shellfish species for culture, and "rapid" distance identification of biological
samples. The Facility may also facilitate other research pertaining to shellfish
aquaculture through other funding opportunities. The design of the Facility
emphasizes flexibility so as to address various research, demonstration, and
educational needs. The Facility is housed in a "pole-barn" structure on a
pile-supported dock at a county location with approval of the Levy County Board
of County Commissioners. An excellent source of seawater is available for this
facility. A saltwater delivery system consists of submersible pumps attached to
a county fishing dock. Water filtration components, plumbing and fiberglass
tanks of various sizes are installed to allow for the greatest amount of
flexibility to accommodate various projects.
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