Investigator: Sarah Hutchins and Stephen Hesterberg, Gulf Shellfish Institute
Objectives: Hard clams that survived high thermal stress (>37°C) were spawned and are currently in the nursery stage. This project will monitor performance of the thermally exposed F1 progeny relative to conventional lines on commercial leases during the field nursery stage. Two clam farmers with leases in different environmental contexts will be provided with seed, supplies, and resources needed to monitor thermally selected clam performance compared to conventional stocks. Differences in performance will be evaluated on both low salinity and high salinity leases.
