Clam Industry Workshop - November 7, 2012

The annual Clam Industry Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at the Community Center in Cedar Key from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. The workshop allows research and extension faculty from the University of Florida and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University to provide updates on a variety of applied research projects.

Project updates at this workshop include stock improvement through backcrossing of F1 hybrid clams, selection for heat tolerance in clams using biomarkers, recovery of soil properties after harvest and culture activities, and performance of net coatings in reducing biofouling. A session will focus on the culture and marketability of the sunray vensu clam.

Results on development of broodstock lines, growout field trials with industry partners, soil and salinity preferences for culture sites, and wholesale market product attributes and standards will be reported. The session will end with a discussion of what is known and what is needed for commercialization of the sunray venus clam.

Prior to the workshop, a meeting of the Statewide Clam Industry Taskforce will be held from 10 am to 1 pm. Agenda items include updates on a clam marketing incentive program, USDA Farm Service Agency`s NAP program, DACS lease expansion, ISSC shellfish educational program, and industry regional issues. A working lunch is planned.

After the workshop, the Florida Aquaculture Association will hold a general membership meeting from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. The day will end with a social hour, hosted by the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Members of the clam farming industry, as well as the public, are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Sturmer, UF Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program at (352) 543-5057 or LNST@ufl.edu.