Impact/Purpose:

This project will provide quantitative data on the benefits derived from shellfish restoration through stopping harmful saltwater intrusion. Scientific data generated by this project would provide information to support restoration efforts in Lake Pontchartrain. The University of New Orleans along with other environmental agencies and organizations will utilize the data to aid in environment management decisions.

Description:

The project will document the adverse effects of episodic hypoxia on the biotic integrity of Lake Pontchartrain and provide quantitative data on environmental benefits derived from the restoration of 100 square miles of clam habitat in Lake Pontchartrain. This project will provide quantitative data on the benefits derived from shellfish restoration through stopping harmful saltwater intrusion. Scientific data generated by this project would provide information to support restoration efforts in Lake Pontchartrain. Information generated by this project will include: 1) a literature review of published information on the effects of bivalve feeding on water quality; 2) information on the biomass of significant clam sizes in hypoxic and normoxic area; 3) clearance rate measurements on clay, silt, algae and fecal coliform bacteria for different clam size classes; and 4) estimates of the effects of clam restoration on Lake Pontchartrain water and habitat quality. Unpublished preliminary data indicate that clams my filter a water volume equivalent to Lake Pontchartrain every two days and add over one million tons of shells to the bottom each year. Restoration of this keystone clam species should improve water quality by reducing turbidity, algal blooms and water borne pathogens. This in turn should increase submersed aquatic vegetation and convert unstable mud bottom to hard shell. These improvement would lessen eutrophication, improve recreational quality and greatly expand essential fish habitat.

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