Stabilization of Juveniles of Asari Clam Ruditapes philippinarum, by the Nori-culture System

To identify the effects of horizontal spreading of macro-algal culture (Nori Porphyra yessoensis) nets on promoting colonization of juveniles of Asari clam Ruditapes philippinarum at intertidal sandy bottom, seasonal changes in density of clams and sea water flow were monitored at the field plots which established in the tidal flat in Ise Bay, Japan, during 2007. There was no significant difference of densities of juvenile clams between plots during the period of spat-recruitment in summer (nets were not spread). However, in the experimental plot (nets were spread at +50cm higher than the bottom surface), spatial densities of new settlers (shell length