Determination of optimal microalgal diets and feeding rations for larvae and seed of the Geoduck Clam (Panopea generosa)

Description

The Geoduck Clam, Panopea generosa, is found from Alaska to the Gulf of California and is the world's largest burrowing clam. They have been fished commercially in BC since 1976 and currently support one of the most valuable fisheries on Canada's west coast, with a total landed value of over CAD $30 million per year. With concerns over naturally low recruitment rate and significant cumulative fishing pressure as well as high market prices, Geoduck aquaculture has become increasingly popular; however, the industry has been constrained by the lack of reliable seed supply (due to high larval mortality), indicating significant problems with the current hatchery production strategy. Lack of a reliable seed supply will severely hamper future development of Geoduck aquaculture in BC. With the goal to establish hatchery-rearing protocols for Geoduck, it is necessary to examine a number of biotic and abiotic factors, including appropriate diet quality and quantity. The primary objective of this research is to determine optimal micro algal diets and feeding rations for Panopea generosa larvae and seed.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2010 - 2012

Ecoregion(s)

Pacific: Vancouver Island West Coast

Principal Investigator(s)

Chris Pearce
Email: Chris.Pearce@dfo-mpo.gc.ca