Hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) research

• Hard clam population demographics and age structure
• Growth rates for modern Chesapeake hard clam populations
• Related monitoring and stock assessment programs

Hard clam population demographics and age structure

Hard clam population demographics are currently being examined for several regions of the lower Chesapeake Bay in conjuction with ongoing hard clam stock assessment projects. Shell morphometric data are collected in the field as clams are collected. These data provide valuable information on clam settlement and recruitment patterns throughout the lower Chesapeake Bay. 

Related publications:

Roegner and Mann. 1991.
Mann et al. 2005.

Research sponsors and partners for these projects include:

• Virginia Marine Resources Commission Conservation and Replenishment Department
• NOAA/Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee

Growth rates for modern Chesapeake hard clam populations

Demographic information will be used to complement ongoing age assessments and growth studies. Clam shells provide a physical record of the growth history of the animal and valuable metrics to describe the clam's environment throughout its life. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of clam shells collected from sites throughout the lower Chesapeake Bay will provide data to assess modern clam growth rates in light of previous growth studies conducted by VIMS scientists over the past 4 decades.

Related publications:

Harding. 2007.

Research sponsors and partners for these projects include:

• NOAA/Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee