EFFECT OF SULFIDES FROM BOTTOM SEDIMENTS ON SHORT-NECKED CLAMS INHABITING ARTIFICIAL TIDAL FLATS

Abstract

 Artificial tidal flats are constructed using dredge soil with high silt-clay content, which is generated during the dredging of port channels and anchorages. Experimental tidal flats were constructed in the sea to investigate the positive effects of these habitats on short-necked clam populations. Sulfides generated in the bottom sediments, even at a very low level, reduced the survival rate of clams, and temporal variations in survival rates could generally be estimated from the monthly total sulfide production.