Biology Of The Hard Clam

The hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, is an important commercial, recreational and ecological inhabitant of coastal bays along the east and gulf coasts of the United States. This title represents the first state of the art summary of existing knowledge of the hard clam by experts in various disciplines. Containing a compendium of literature on the hard clam, comprehensive chapters on various aspects of its biology as well as summaries of knowledge including the gray literature on this economically important species, this volume represents a comprehensive source of biological information for managers and researchers interested in shallow marine and estuarine ecosystems. Research students and managers charged with maintaining coastal ecosystems will also find a wealth of background material. The first synthesis of available information on the mercenaria mercenaria, this title is a response to the needs of individuals involved in hard clam aquaculture and scientists interested in molluscan biology, coastal ocean ecology and similar fields. Over 2300 documents have been synthesized, and chapter authors have added unpublished information as well as new material.

Systematics and taxonomy / M.E. Harte -- Shell structure and age determination / Lowell W. Fritz -- Embryogenesis and organogenesis of veligers and early juveniles / Melbourne R. Carriker -- Anatomy and histology of Mercenaria mercenaria / Albert F. Eble -- Reproduction in Mercenaria mercenaria / Arnold G. Eversole -- Genetics of hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria / Thomas J. Hilbish -- Functional morphology and behavior of shelled veligers and early juveniles / Melbourne R. Carriker -- Physiological ecology of Mercenaria mercenaria / Raymond E. Grizzle, V. Monica Bricelj and Sandra E. Shumway -- Demography and dynamics of hard clam populations / Stephen R. Fegley -- Integrating nutritional physiology and ecology to explain interactions between physics and biology in Mercenaria mercenaria / Charles H. Peterson -- Predators and predation / John N. Kraeuter -- Pests, parasites, diseases, and defense mechanisms of the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria / Susan E. Ford -- Management of hard c ...

Published in Cooperation with THE UNITED STATES AQUACULTURESOCIETY The rapid growth of aquaculture worldwide and domestically hascaused concerns over social and environmental impacts.Environmental advocacy groups and government regulatory agencieshave called for better management to address potentially negativeimpacts and assure sustainable aquaculture development. BestManagement Practices (BMPs) combine sound science, common sense,economics, and site-specific management to mitigate or preventadverse environmental impacts. Environmental Best Management Practices for Aquaculturewill provide technical guidance to improve the environmentalperformance of aquaculture. This book will be the onlycomprehensive guide to BMPs for mitigation of environmental impactsof aquaculture in the United States. The book addresses developmentand implementation of BMPs, BMPs for specific aquacultureproduction systems, and the economics of implementing bestmanagement practices. Written by internationally recognized expertsin environmental management and aquaculture from academia,government, and non-governmental organizations, this book will be avaluable reference for innovative producers, policy makers,regulators, research scientists, and students.

Nonnative Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay discusses the proposed plan to offset the dramatic decline in the bay’s native oysters by introducing disease-resistant reproductive Suminoe oysters from Asia. It suggests this move should be delayed until more is known about the environmental risks, even though carefully regulated cultivation of sterile Asian oysters in contained areas could help the local industry and researchers. It is also noted that even though these oysters eat the excess algae caused by pollution, it could take decades before there are enough of them to improve water quality.

Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Shellfish Restoration, held in Cork, Ireland, 28 September - 2 October 1999