Farming Bivalve Molluscs

Bivalve biology - Anatomy (oyster); Breeding (oyster); Other species; Taxonomy; Seed production - Breeding cycle; Larvae; Spatfall forecasting; Setting behavior; Cultch; Hatchery seed; Measuring growth of bivalves - Measuring growth; Model experimental plan; Statistics; Unwanted species - Fouling; Fouling control; Fouling study; Parasites and disease; Predators; General aspects of bivalve culture - Choosing a site; Oceanography; Marine charts; Oyster culture - Bottom culture; Rack culture; Suspended culture; Processing; Mussel culture; Clam culture - Littleneck clams; The cockle (anadara); Tridacnidae; Scallops - Seed collection; Nursery; Adult culture; Towards cleaner shellfish: public health aspects of bivalve culture - Paralytic shelfish poison; Shellfish sanitation.

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

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.

Bivalve Molluscs is an extremely comprehensive book coveringall major aspects of this important class of invertebrates. As wellas being an important class biologically and ecologically, many ofthe bivalves are fished and cultured commercially (e.g. mussels,oysters, scallops and clams) in a multi-billion dollar worldwideindustry. Elizabeth Gosling who has a huge wealth of research, teachingand hands on experience working with bivalves, has written alandmark book that will stand for many years as the standard workon the subject. Chapters in Bivalve Molluscs covermorphology, ecology, feeding, reproduction, settlement andrecruitment, growth, physiology, fisheries, aquaculture, genetics,diseases and parasites, and public health issues. A fullunderstanding of many of these aspects is vital for all thoseworking in bivalve fisheries and culture. An essential purchase for anyone concerned with this importantclass of animals, copies of Bivalve Molluscs should be onthe shelves of biologists, ecologists, environmental scientists,fisheries scientists and personnel within the aquaculture industry.Copies of the book should be available in all libraries andresearch establishments where these subjects are studied ortaught. Elizabeth Gosling is based at the Galway-Mayo Instituteof Technology, Galway, Ireland.

The aim of this open access book is to review and analyse the goods and services of bivalve shellfish. How they are defined, what determines the ecological functions that are the basis for the goods and services, what controversies in the use of goods and services exist, and what is needed for sustainable exploitation of bivalves from the perspective of the various stakeholders. The book is focused on the goods and services, and not on impacts of shellfish aquaculture on the benthic environment, or on threats like biotoxins; neither is it a shellfish culture handbook although it can be used in evaluating shellfish culture. The reviews and analysis are based on case studies that exemplify the concept, and show the strengths and weaknesses of the current applications. The multi-authored reviews cover ecological, economic and social aspects of bivalve goods and services. The book provides new insights for scientists, students, shellfish producers, policy advisors, nature conservationists and decision makers. This book is open access under the CC BY license.

Marine Bivalve Molluscs Marine Bivalve Molluscs is a comprehensive and thoroughly updated Second Edition of Bivalve Molluscs, covering all major aspects of this important class of invertebrates. As well as being an important class biologically and ecologically, many of the bivalves are fished and cultured commercially (e.g. mussels, oysters, scallops and clams) in a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry. Elizabeth Gosling has written a landmark book that will stand for many years as the standard work on the subject. Chapters in Marine Bivalve Molluscs cover morphology, ecology, feeding, reproduction, settlement and recruitment, growth, physiology, fisheries, aquaculture, genetics, diseases and parasites, and public health issues. A full understanding of many of these aspects is vital for all those working in bivalve fisheries and culture. An essential purchase for anyone concerned with this important class of animals, copies of Marine Bivalve Molluscs should be on the shelves of biologists, ecologists, environmental scientists, fisheries scientists and personnel within the aquaculture industry. Copies of the book should be available in all libraries and research establishments where these subjects are studied or taught. REVIEWS OF THE FIRST EDITION An admirable achievement…a valuable addition to marine sciences libraries everywhere. The back cover of this book says that it is a landmark text that will stand for many years as the standard work on this subject. I can only agree with this sentiment. ~ Aquaculture A welcome addition to the literature and provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of biological and environmental factors that affect and control both natural populations of marine bivalves and culture operations. ~ Aquaculture International The author has done an admirable job in compiling a wealth of information into a readable text. ~ Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Will serve well as a description of much of both the experimental biology and the aquaculture of bivalves. ~ Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology Provides excellent reviews of all major aspects…an extremely important reference for anyone engaged in bivalve research, fisheries management, and aquaculture. ~ Quarterly Review of Biology The book is very readable, in an easy style. It is well illustrated and there is a wealth of data and statistics presented. ~ Bulletin of the Malacological Society of London

This comprehensive volume provides a plethora of first-hand information on the diversity, biology, and ecology of edible marine bivalve molluscs. It covers the biology of edible marine bivalves; profiles about 180 species, providing information on their habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.; discusses their nutritional values; examines their pharmaceutical value; and looks at their diseases and parasites. This abundance of knowledge is presented in an easy-to-read style with informative illustrations. Marine bivalve molluscs play important roles in the marine ecosystems by filtering water and serving as habitat and prey for a variety of sea life. This diverse group of species, estimated at around 9,200, inhabits virtually the entire world’s oceans, from the balmy tropics to the sub-zero Arctic, and from deep oceans to sandy and rocky shorelines. Among the marine bivalves, a total of 180 species (including mussels, oysters, scallops, cockles, and clams) have long been a part of the diet of coastal human populations. Many species of marine bivalves are also commercially important for other purposes, such as pearls and shells for jewelry and decoration. The volume, part of the Biology and Ecology of Marine Life book series, will be of great use to students and researchers in fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology, and zoology.