R/FISH-112

Strategic focus area:

Description:

The Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs) is an ecosystem characterized by its shallow, benthic habitat and ecology, and its dynamic interactions among wind, waves, and tidal forces. While hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) populations of the MCBs are a mere fraction of their historic abundances, recent surveys of their distributions and renewed attention to the hard clam fishery management plan (FMP) suggest great potential for population expansions of this ecological and economically important species. However, little is known regarding the factors driving variation in hard clam recruitment in the MCBs. This study proposes a detailed investigation of larval hard clam transport utilizing advanced three-dimensional hydrodynamic models Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) in conjunction with in situ observations. This study builds on recent research conducted by Mao and Xia (2023, 2024) highlighting the essential role of numerical modeling in understanding blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) recruitment within the MCBs. A comprehensive understanding of larval clam movement, coupled with historic and recent surveys of distributions of M. mercenaria in the MCBs, will enable us to identify critical population sources and sinks along with factors contributing to recruitment variability. The analysis will encompass various scenarios that illustrate the effects of ocean temperature change. Additionally, the study will explore the variability of modeled larval clam movement related to extreme weather events such as hurricane, marine heatwave or coldwave events, whichever occurs during the study period. Ultimately, this research aims to enhance the understanding of hard clam recruitment and will inform the management of this species. These findings will be particularly useful to pinpoint ideal locations for hard clam spawner sanctuaries, a restoration strategy that has successfully bolstered hard clam populations in comparable lagoonal systems, such as Shinnecock Bay, New York.