Washington, D.C., Oct 23 -

(Washington, D.C.) – The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has recently received notification of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, that will support applied research efforts for Florida’s clam aquaculture industry.  The UF Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program will receive about $277,000 for the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Development Program.  These federal funds were procured during the FY 2006 congressional session through the efforts of U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05).

“While Florida has made remarkable advancements in clam and shellfish aquaculture, increased investment is needed to maintain water quality and management, global competitiveness and food technologies,” said Rep. Brown-Waite.  “Florida’s shellfish industry creates thousands of jobs for our agriculture and fishing industries, and I am proud to support federal efforts to fund this important program.” 

A steering committee made up of clam growers from the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association,   university research and extension faculty, and representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture have helped to direct the efforts of this new program to ensure funded projects are industry-driven.  Projects to be conducted during 2006-8 bring together researchers from the UF Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, UF Soil and Water Science Department, and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution.  This team will begin to investigate the utilization of clam hybridization for increasing survival and production.

“The need for a hardier clam strain has become evident as clam growers in Florida report below average survivals or total losses during the hot summer months,” said Mike Hodges, chair of the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association.

Families of hard clams, southern quahog clams, and their reciprocal hybrids will be produced, grown and evaluated under commercial conditions.  Laboratory experimental challenges will examine the combined effects of temperature and salinity on survivorship of these stocks using natural ranges found in Florida.  In addition, soil properties of clam lease areas will be considered using a soils-based approach to establish relationships between soil characteristics and clam productivity.  

Leslie Sturmer, the state wide shellfish aquaculture extension agent, will administer this program with the guidance of the steering committee.  “The Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Development Program presents an opportunity for the University of Florida to make a long-term commitment in addressing pertinent research needs for Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industries.  This program will address these and other high priority needs by conducting multi-disciplinary research and demonstration projects involving partnerships with university research, extension and industry.”