Clamouring for attention

Date: 17 May 2011

Manila clam in Poole Harbour is the subject of a new scientific study.

Beautifully patterned shells and a sweet taste characterise the Manila clam, making it a delicacy for seafood lovers across the globe. It is an important naturalised species in Poole harbour and scientists at Bournemouth University (BU) have recently been awarded funding to study the ecology of the clam.

Dr Dan Franklin, a lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences at BU, said: “Shellfish are an important food source and are thought to be one of the most sustainable types of food. So it’s important that we understand the ecology of shellfish in places like Poole harbour which has so many competing uses.”

Poole Harbour in Dorset is on BU’s doorstep and forms an important habitat for the Manila clam and many other species. At 3,600 hectare in size it is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe and contains a diverse set of habitats including mudflats, saltmarshes, reedbeds and islands.

Led by Dr Franklin, a team of scientists will study the microscopic plants, the phytoplankton, that form the base of the marine food web and relate this to the annual growth of the Manila clam The team hopes that this will give a better understanding of the ecology of the clam which has suffered from episodes of mortality at certain times of the year.

Dr Franklin continued: “I’m pleased that by setting up this project we have been able to bring together scientists from Bournemouth and Southampton Universities, as well as making links with local fishermen and the harbour engineers. We aim to contribute a greater understanding of the magnificent harbour on our doorstep and in so doing improve the fishery for the future”.

The research is funded by the Marine Management Organisation.

The picture seen at the top of the page comes courtesy of John Humphreys, a visiting fellow at Bournemouth University.