CLAMS
THE BENEFICIAL BIVALVES

Clam

HARD-SHELL CLAM
Genus Mercenaria

OUR PROJECT

By the summer of 2022, we plan to strategically plant three million adult clams and five million “seed clams” throughout the Brevard County portion the Indian River Lagoon. Take a closer look below at how this project works.

CLAM DEPLOYMENT PROCESS

Clams in hands

CLAMS PRODUCED

University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience produces clams from their “super clam” stock.

Clam dispersal

CLAMS PLANTED

Adult clams are planted on the lagoon bottom and covered by nets for protection, and “seed clams” are spread on existing oyster reefs.

Lagoon

LOCATIONS SELECTED

Installation sites are chosen with the help of residents living along the lagoon.

Seagrass

GRASSES ADDED

Florida Oceanographic Society provides aquatic grasses to be added to certain clam beds.

HOW CLAMS HELP

As filter feeders, hard clams have tremendous potential to aid in the reduction of nutrients in the lagoon. This is necessary for seagrass growth and the foundation of a healthy lagoon system.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Heartbeat

Routine site monitoring will measure clam survival rates.

Up arrow

The clams’ growth rate will be checked to determine physical growth and nutrient removal.

Clam larvae

Routine water samples will be taken during spawning season to determine the presence and concentration of clam larvae, which would indicate successful spawning.

HELP US RESTORE OUR SHORES

We need you! This project would not be possible without the help of volunteers to have their sites evaluated for clam builds. Selected property owners will provide routine maintenance of clam beds to ensure survivability.