Funds will support research efforts in clam stock improvement The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has received notification of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will support applied research efforts for Florida's clam aquaculture industry. Federal funds were procured during the FY 2006 congressional session through the efforts of U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite. "While Florida has made remarkable advancements in shellfish aquaculture, increased investment is needed to improve water quality management, global competitiveness and food technologies," said Rep. Brown-Waite. "Clam aquaculture creates jobs for our agriculture and fishing industries, and I am proud to support federal efforts to fund this important research program." A steering committee made up of clam growers and university research and extension faculty have helped to direct the efforts of this new program to ensure research projects are industry-driven. Projects to be conducted during 2006-8 bring together scientists from the UF Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, UF Soil and Water Science Department, and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. This team will investigate the utilization of clam hybridization for increasing survival and production.
"The need for a hardier clam strain has become evident as clam growers report below average survivals or total losses during the hot summer months," said Mike Hodges, chair of the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association. Hard clams, southern quahog clams, and their reciprocal hybrids will be produced, grown and evaluated under commercial conditions. Laboratory experimental challenges will examine the combined effects of temperature and salinity on survivorship of these stocks. Further, soil properties of clam lease areas will be considered to establish relationships between soil characteristics and clam productivity. Leslie Sturmer, the UF shellfish aquaculture extension agent, will administer this program with guidance from the steering committee. Sturmer commented, "This presents an opportunity for the University to make a long-term commitment in addressing pertinent research needs for Florida's shellfish aquaculture industries by conducting multi-disciplinary research projects."
Leslie Sturmer, Left, checks clams with Mike Hodges, owner of Hodges Seafood Company in Cedar Key. Photo by Thomas Wright, IFAS Communications | 
