Do clams encourage seagrass growth?

This is a two year project (2016-18) that was funded by the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund. Our partners are Bay Shellfish Co., Port Manatee and Eckerd College.

The title of the proposal is: "Facilitation of seagrass productivity in Tampa Bay, using the indigenous suspension feeding bivalve, Mercenaria campechiensis".

The objectives were to document clam growth and mortality; compare water quality and sediment composition between experimental (with clams) and control (without clams) areas at two sites; and to observe changes in seagrass distribution near the clams.

One study site was destroyed by Hurricane Irma. At the other site, clam growth rate and survival were excellent. No differences in water quality (chlorophyll and suspended solids) were detected between areas with clams and without clams. There was, however, a distinct increase in the organic content of sediment in areas with the clams over time relative to the control site. We feel this may be an important first step toward enriching nutrient content and stabilizing the bottom for future seagrass enhancement.