Clams, in general, represent one of the highest in demand bivalves in terms of market value and consumer preference, with US clam aquaculture production grossing $222 million in 2023. However, a production shortfall exists, especially in regions with high seafood consumption and low aquaculture production, such as in California. Recent support for the development of sustainable aquaculture in California aims to address such production shortfalls, but requires the navigation of regulatory structures and consideration of ecological concerns.
The Pismo clam (Tivela stultorum) represents a potential native California aquaculture species that can help meet some of the growing demand for seafood and boost the California aquaculture industry, while avoiding many concerns presented by non-native aquaculture species. Prior attempts to close the lifecycle of the Pismo clam were largely unsuccessful until the presenting team successfully spawned and reared the Pismo clam through juvenile stages (Figure 1) at Holdfast Aquaculture in 2022 - a crucial step towards developing a commercial aquaculture framework for this species.
Here, the authors will report on recent Pismo clam aquaculture trials focused on key components of the commercial production process, including ex situ broodstock conditioning, out-of-season spawning, commercial-scale hatchery production, larval settlement, and juvenile grow-out. These trials are part of a Sea Grant-funded project that aims to produce a hatchery manual for commercial-scale production of the Pismo clam, develop an out-planting strategic plan with stakeholders, and engage regulatory agencies to determine an appropriate path for the introduction of this California native species into commercial aquaculture production and food systems.