VIRTUAL TOUR OF A CLAM FARM

Tapes philippinarum feed on small particles suspended in the water column. Unicellular marine algae are available in nature and once Tapes philippinarum is located in lagoon waters it can feed itself without the need for any kind of human or external assistance and feed. The shells stay in the one place feeding by means of filtering the water through their gills (process known as filter feeding).

Ideal growth is achieved in lagoon areas, which have a good water circulation and a regular presence of phytoplankton. Enclosed lagoons, on the contrary, show less of a positive performance for growth due to the prevailing environmental conditions e.g. during summer or during hot periods these lagoons only permit a low production of oxygen (hypoxygen), which is counterproductive to the clam’s life.

The Marinetta Island lagoon experiences a longer period of growth than many other lagoons because the local water is less rich there. This allows ALMAR to keep the clam immersed in water for longer periods of time, thus the clam produces a larger shell and a stronger and bigger adductor muscle, which helps to increase resistance to stress.