Can 1-year Old Spisula Solidisima (Atlantic Surf Clam) be a Cherry Stone Alternative? A New Aquaculture Species for Maine?

Project Description

A healthy and diverse shellfish aquaculture industry in Maine is important to local economies, seafood production, job creation, and ecosystems. This project evaluates the Atlantic surf clam, S. solidissima, as a potential species worthy of introduction into the Maine shellfish aquaculture industry. As the aquaculture industry continues to grow, shellfish farmers are interested in diversifying their crops or are looking for relatively ‘easy’ species to grow for profit. S. solidissima is a great potential species to introduce into the current mix of shellfish cultured in Maine.

Results and Accomplishments

In 2017-2018, researchers grew out approximately 10,000 S. solidissima using several different culture methods to evaluate which method best suits Maine waters. Growth rate experiments were performed on clams growing in floating bags and in bags sitting directly on the seafloor. In addition, once the most effective grow out method was determined, the research team ran a series of experiments to determine optimal stocking densities for grow-out to answer the question: ‘what is the maximum number of clams that can be grown without impeding growth rate and/or meat quality?’ Further, experiments were performed to determine minimal shelf life for harvested individuals.

S. solidissima has potential as a viable shellfish for the aquaculture industry in Maine. It grows fast relative to other species (M. arenaria, M. mercenaris, C. virginica). It grows up to nearly 5 cm over approximately a year when sitting in ADPI bags on the sea floor. Bag meshes of 4, 9, and 12mm were used, with mesh size changed during the year to the largest size possible while still retaining the growing clams. This species can be grown in the absence of sediment. The shell is well formed and ornate, with no obvious shell deformations resulting, despite the absence of a sediment substrate. Likewise, S. solidissima has a good shelf life post-harvest, with 100% of individuals (n=25) held in a cooler at 38F alive after a 5-day period.

This project demonstrated that it may be possible to grow this species even faster when its early stages are housed in an upweller to maximize accessibility to food.

Summary of Data Being Collected

Data	Type	Quantity	Location
Growth	Field	100	Saint Joseph’s College