SURVIVAL CHARACTERISTIC OF CLAMS ON CONSTRUCTED TIDAL FLAT USING GRANULATE COAL ASH AS A COVERING MATERIAL

Abstract

 In recent years, decline in clams production has become a problem in many coastal areas. Creation of an artificial tidal flat using dredged sediment has been proposed to solve this problem, but settling of clams in the artificial tidal flat remains uncertainties. The purpose of this study is to create a habitat for clams using dredged sediment covered with granulated coal ash (GCA) in an oligotrophic sea area. A pilot study for clams habitat was conducted in an in situ artificial tidal flat made of dredged sediment and GCA. Survival and growth rates of clams, nutrients supply from tidal flat materials, and productivity of diatoms were investigated for about 14 months. Results showed that season and ground height (flooding time) significantly influenced the survival of the clams. In addition, GCA promoted nutrients supply to the sediments to create the habitat for clams.