Shellfish growers have experienced chronic losses of adult clams reaching harvest size for many years during the summer months. Recently, clam growers in Cedar Key have reported below average survival or total losses during the hot summers. This workshop provides results of preliminary studies conducted to begin to address these mortality events.
DATE: Thursday, May 1, 2025, 1:00-4:00pm
LOCATION: FWC Senator Kirkpatrick Marine Lab, 11350 SW 153rd Court, Cedar Key, FL
AGENDA:
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- Overview of a multi-step program to begin to identify contributing factors associated with clam mortality events
- Results of growers’ survey on crop losses and research and monitoring efforts needed
- Reports from investigators on preliminary studies conducted during summer 2024
- Monitoring and understanding water quality parameters at clam leases
- Sediment organic matter on leases as an indicator of summer mortality
- Health assessment of clams collected during the summer at lease areas
- Assessing performance of thermally selected clams during growout on leases
- Thermal tolerances and physiological and behavioral responses of clams
DISCUSSION: Breakout sessions with growers and researchers to discuss results, identify possible management practices, and develop a road map for future research.
Workshop participation is also available through Zoom:
https://ufl.zoom.us/j/92476941442, Meeting ID: 924 7694 1442
For more information, contact Leslie Sturmer, UF/IFAS Shellfish Extension Program at 352-493-8340 (cell) or Lnst@ufl.edu.
