Evaluating the Abiotic and Biotic Factors Influencing Hard Clam Seed Production in Florida

This two-year monitoring and assessment program allows for evaluation of water quality and seed health in hatcheries and nurseries, which is important to seed production facilities. A comprehensive evaluation of a broad range of abiotic and biotic factors in hard clam seed production facilities will allow hatchery and nursery operators to make informed management decisions to improve seed health and increase production. Hatchery and nursery operators will be provided with access to information, protocols, tools, and resources to implement their own health management programs. To better understand and alleviate seed mortality, project objectives are to:

1. Monitor a comprehensive suite of water quality indicators in hatchery/nursery operations.
2. Investigate the presence of bacterial pathogens in hatcheries.
3. Survey phytoplankton species and abundance in land-based nurseries.
4. Determine relationships between water quality, bacteriology, phytoplankton, and
   seed health.        

PROJECT TEAM: 

• Shirley Baker, University of Florida Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
• Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant
• Susan Laramore, Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Ed Phlips, University of Florida Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
• Ruth Francis-Floyd, University of Florida College of Vet Medicine
• Angela Collins, University of Florida Florida Sea Grant
• Natalie Anderson, University of Florida IFAS Extension
• Bonnie Getter, Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Click here for Project Team contact information

 

TIME PERIOD: 2020-22                FUNDED BY: Florida Sea Grant College Program

Project Reports

Suppliers

Resources

Videos