Field Trials to Examine Growth and Survival of a New Bivalve Culture Candidate in Maine: Razor clams, Ensis leei
PI: Beal, Brian (Marine Sciences, UMaine Machias)
Sector: Aquaculture
Partners: Downeast Institute, Darling Marine Center
Abstract: Thanks to funding over the past two years from the Maine Technology Foundation and Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, razor clams, Ensis leei, have become a new culture candidate in Maine. Work at UMM’s Marine Science Field Station at the Downeast Institute (DEI) has progressed on the hatchery phase of this deep-burrowing, suspension-feeding bivalve. Because this species commands $4-5 per pound from wild harvests, we are interested in undertaking commercial-scale production of juveniles. We are proposing pilot-scale nursery and field studies during May-August 2018 to examine factors affecting growth and survival of cultured razor clam juveniles. The proposed work will be conducted in eastern Maine with our partner, the Downeast Institute and supported by a student researcher. The undergraduate student selected from the University of Maine at Machias will become a SEA Fellow, and participate in the public research forum to be held at the Darling Center in August 2018.