Link for Water Quality DataWater Quality & its Role on Hard Clam Production
A practical understanding of
water quality is necessary for the clam farmer to assess
environmental conditions and apply effective management strategies. Important
water
quality parameters controlling the growth and survival of hard clams include
temperature,
salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and turbidity.
Within the estuarine environment, clams can be exposed to water quality
fluctuations that
exceed their normal physiological tolerance limits. Clams are able to survive
short-term
changes by closing their valves and thereby preventing exposure to unfavorable
conditions.
It is important to note that the ability of clams to survive one adverse
parameter depends on
the severity of all other water quality parameters. Furthermore, the clam's
physiological
condition, age and size, as well as acclimation history, can be very important regarding
the effect of an unfavorable environment and the clam's tolerance. Finally it
should be noted
that the environmental tolerance range for one physiological or behavioral
function might
differ from that for some other function.