Interactive effects of OA and temperature on the culturally and economically important native basket cockle
SFSIL ClmtRFP2018_PSRF
Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF) in collaboration with the Suquamish Tribe, will research the concurrent effects of ocean acidification and increasing water temperature on development and survival of a native species of high importance to Coast Salish Tribes – the basket cockle. PSRF will produce larval and juvenile basket cockles at the PSRF conservation hatchery located at NOAA’s Manchester Research Station. Through production of basket cockles at the hatchery, PSRF will have further opportunity to develop and refine aquaculture techniques for the species. The geographic focus of the work is the central Puget Sound basin within Suquamish Tribal Usual & Accustomed fishing areas. PSRF will also analyze a dataset (1995-present) to assess timing, location and frequency of occurrence of exceedance of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) biotoxin in basket cockles throughout Puget Sound as compared to other marine bivalves. If budget, time and conditions permit, we will assess in situ depuration of cockles on site where and when a PSP event occurs. The timeliness and regional relevance of advancing the understanding of climate-smart cultivation of native clams is paramount. Loss of access to and abundance of shellfish resources of cultural, economic and dietary importance is a critical public health concern for Coast Salish Tribes, due to risks to resources from effects of ocean acidification and rising water temperatures. By better understanding the susceptibility of native species, such as the basket cockle, to changing ocean conditions, PSRF and the Suquamish Tribe can design more effective conservation aquaculture practices and in-water restoration that has better chances of having lasting positive impact.