Molluscs
The Molluscan Fisheries staff is responsible for conducting
research on scallops, hard clams, conch, and non-indigenous
species. Staff members collect data on the life history, biology,
age structure, stock abundance, and fishery characteristics of
molluscs. These data are analyzed to monitor trends in molluscan
fisheries throughout Florida. Some molluscs are cultured and
released to help evaluate the use of hatchery-reared animals as a
management tool for rebuilding or enhancing coastal fisheries.
Molluscan Fisheries staff members are continuing a long-term bay
scallop abundance monitoring program and conducting fieldwork
associated with efforts to restore severely depleted populations of
scallops.
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute conducts calico scallop
biology and fisheries research throughout Florida. Biologists' work
includes the extensive Cape Canaveral population and populations
along the Florida west coast.
Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) occur from the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, through the Gulf of Mexico to the Bay
of Campeche, Mexico, and into the West Indies. Eastern oysters
filter-feed for planktonic organisms and detritus. Most of
Florida's production of eastern oysters occurs on the gulf coast
primarily in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions.
In the Indian River region, Molluscan Fisheries staff members
are assisting with the selection of hard clam lease-site locations
and are studying the feasibility of using certain techniques to
enhance the survival of hard clams.
A slow moving, long-lived marine snail, the queen conch
(pronounced "konk") has become an abiding symbol of the relaxed
pace of life in the Florida Keys, where the human natives
affectionately refer to themselves as "conchs."
Learn about the Asian green mussel, view images in the photo
gallery, or browse the mollusc glossary.
Known for their highly variable color patterns, coquinas can be
found buried just under the surface of the sand in the wave-swept
area of the beach known as the swash zone. These algae
filter-feeders represent a critical food source for fish, crabs,
and shore birds.
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