Research and Inventory of Shellfish within Estuarine Systems of the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey

摘要

Investigations of possible sampling vessels to be utilized in the shellfish inventory have been conducted. The development of criteria for the classification of clam habitat based upon associated molluscan species continued with the collection of over 600 samples. The Lakes Bay Hard Clam Relay was monitored for the second year to determine size structure of the population, recruitment, and standing stock and how these factors fluctuate in relation to harvest intensity. Based upon the lack of recruitment, decrease in harvest, decline in catch per effort it appears that the hard clam resource supporting the program is declining. All applications received for leased shellfish ground (on the Atlantic Coast) were investigated and classified according to their productivity as shellfish habitat.