Characteristics of Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Production on Small Scale Artificial Tidal Flat in Urban Area

Abstract

To clarify capability of small scale artificial tidal flat (SAT) in urban area, we focused on manila clam production and investigated some SATs in Tokyo Bay. Manila clam production rate on a main SAT was comparable or higher than natural tidal flat in Tokyo Bay. But, manila clam was damaged by hypoxia seriously in late summer to autumn in one SAT which was main research area. Another one SAT, manila clam wasn't damaged hypoxia, because of the shallow area was widely than main SAT. Further, benthic microalgae was main food source of Manila clam in all SATs, and manila clam populations related to benthic microalgae abundance. It suggested manila clam production was affected directly benthic microalgae production, and benthic microalgae production on SAT was changed by design or maintenance condition of each SAT.