Mollusca is one of the largest phyla in the animal kingdom, over 50,000 species having been described, thus comprising more than a half of the marine species. Molluscs are scientifically and economically important invertebrates, representing 8% of all captured marine species. One of the six molluscan classes is Bivalvia, which is composed of both marine and freshwater animals enclosed in shells with two valves. Among these, the groups of greatest economic importance are oysters, scallops, mussels and clams. This book deals with clams in the broad sense of the term, since there are several bivalve families falling into the "clam" category. The selection of the families is primarily based on their respective economic importance, in terms of fisheries and aquaculture production. These selected families are Veneridae (venus shells), Mactridae (surf clams), Donacidae (wedge shells), Myidae (softshell clams), Pharidae and Solenidae (razor clams). It must be remarked that, in some chapters or sections within them, species belonging to other families of clams are cited.

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 Over 2300 documents have been synthesized, and chapter authors have added unpublished information as well as new material.

Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture is a useable manual for all those interested in an up-to-date introduction to the field. Each of the major cultured species of commercial importance is covered, providing cutting-edge information of practical use to all those involved in shellfish aquaculture. The book’s editor and chapter authors are among the most widely known and respected authorities working in the industry and academia. Species covered include mussels, clams, oysters (including pearl oysters), scallops, cephalopods, abalone and gastropods. Molluscan Shellfish Aquaculture contains a huge wealth of information of great use for personnel working in the industry, with chapters covering site selection, hatchery construction, disease, biofouling, best management practice and certification. 5m Books

U.S. mariculture production of bivalve molluscs-those cultivated in the marine environment-has roughly doubled over the last 25 years. Although mariculture operations may expand the production of seafood without additional exploitation of wild populations, they still depend upon and affect natural ecosystems and ecosystem services. Every additional animal has an incremental effect arising from food extraction and waste excretion. Increasing domestic seafood production in the United States in an environmentally and socially responsible way will likely require the use of policy tools, such as best management practices (BMPs) and performance standards. BMPs represent one approach to protecting against undesirable consequences of mariculture. An alternative approach to voluntary or mandatory BMPs is the establishment of performance standards for mariculture. Variability in environmental conditions makes it difficult to develop BMPs that are sufficiently flexible and adaptable to protect ecosystem integrity across a broad range of locations and conditions. An alternative that measures performance in sustaining key indicators of ecosystem state and function may be more effective. Because BMPs address mariculture methods rather than monitoring actual ecosystem responses, they do not guarantee that detrimental ecosystem impacts will be controlled or that unacceptable impact will be avoided. Ecosystem Concepts for Sustainable Bivalve Mariculture finds that while performance standards can be applied for some broad ecosystem indicators, BMPs may be more appropriate for addressing parameters that change from site to site, such as the species being cultured, different culture methods, and various environmental conditions. This book takes an in-depth look at the environmental, social, and economic issues to present recommendations for sustainable bivalve mariculture.

As the world’s population and the demand for seafood increase, the production of seafood from aquaculture has also seen massive increase and is set to continue. With wild stocks of many molluscan species depleted, aquaculture is firmly recognised as the means now, and for the future, of bridging the gap between the supply and demand of seafood. This important book covers the general biology of bivalves, hatchery culture methods and specific and comprehensive details of the cultivation of many commercially important species, including clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and abalone. Based on the author’s extensive experience and hands on research into this subject, Molluscan Shellfish Farming provides essential information for all involved in the culture of molluscs. The book will be particularly useful for aquaculture personnel on working fish farms and in academic research posts. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where aquaculture and biological sciences are studied and taught should have copies of this book available. Part of this book is based on a Buckland Lecture, sponsored by the Buckland Trustees

The global trade of aquatic organisms for home and public aquariums, along with associated equipment and accessories, has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Aquaculture of marine ornamental species, still in its infancy, is recognized as a viable alternative to wild collection as it can supplement or replace the supply of wild caught specimens and potentially help recover natural populations through restocking. This book collects into a single work the most up-to-date information currently available on the aquaculture of marine ornamental species. It includes the contributions of more than 50 leading scientists and experts on different topics relevant for the aquaculture of the most emblematic groups of organisms traded for reef aquariums. From clownfish, to angelfish, tangs and seahorses, as well as corals, anemones, shrimps, giant clams and several other reef organisms, all issues related with the husbandry, breeding, and trade are addressed, with explanatory schemes and illustrations being used to help in understanding the most complex topics addressed. Marine Ornamental Species Aquaculture is a key reference for scientists and academics in research institutes and universities, public and private aquaria, as well as for hobbyists. Entrepreneurs will also find this book an important resource, as the culture of marine ornamental species is analyzed from a business oriented perspective, highlighting the risks and opportunities of commercial scale aquaculture of marine ornamentals.

Mollusca is one of the largest phyla in the animal kingdom, over 50,000 species having been described, thus comprising more than a half of the marine species. Molluscs are scientifically and economically important invertebrates, representing 8% of all captured marine species. One of the six molluscan classes is Bivalvia, which is composed of both marine and freshwater animals enclosed in shells with two valves. Among these, the groups of greatest economic importance are oysters, scallops, mussels and clams. This book deals with clams in the broad sense of the term, since there are several bivalve families falling into the "clam" category. The selection of the families is primarily based on their respective economic importance, in terms of fisheries and aquaculture production. These selected families are Veneridae (venus shells), Mactridae (surf clams), Donacidae (wedge shells), Myidae (softshell clams), Pharidae and Solenidae (razor clams). It must be remarked that, in some chapters or sections within them, species belonging to other families of clams are cited.