Molluscan Ecology

The Molluscan Ecology Program within the Department of Fisheries Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is a dynamic research group that derives its origins from the original oyster biologists at the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory, the organizational ancestor to VIMS. While one of our main focuses is to provide research-based advisory service to the Commonwealth of Virginia for oyster biology, ecology, restoration and fishery management, our interests and research include a wide range of other topics. In the past these have included studies on other benthic and pelagic molluscs found locally in the Chesapeake Bay such as hard clams, squid and whelks, including the invasive rapa whelk.

As the oyster aquaculture industry continues to expand we continue to work with local industry members investigating various aspects of water quality and sediment deposition associated with oyster aquaculture, working toward the development of a Best Management Practice (BMP) plan. Building on over 30 years of research on the biology of Atlantic shelf species we have worked since the late 1990’s with scientists and industry members on stock assessment, modeling and aging of both Atlantic surf clam and ocean quahog populations along the East Coast of the United States. More recently we have expanded investigations of impacts of climate change in the Chesapeake Bay and mid Atlantic regions. Graduate education at the Masters and Ph.D. level is an integral component of our program at all levels.

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