EFFECTS OF SAND BAR GEOMORPHOLOGY AND WATER TEMPERATURE ON LIFE HISTORY OF CLAM IN THE BANJO ESTUARY

Abstract

In Banjo estuary, clam resources declined once, but recovery of the population is observed. To reveal potential of the fishery ground and major factors on clam life history, patterns of waves and currents around the river mouth sand bar and water temperature changes were analyzed. Patterns of wave directions and nearshore currents show the function of the sand bar as the bather of waves to protect habitats of estuary organisms. Long-term measurements of the water temperature indicated its severe changes might effect the survival of clam pelagic larvae and larval clams. Conservation and management of the river mouth sand bars dedicate estuary ecosystems and fishery.