PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
This project explored the population dynamics and spatial ecology of Pismo clams along the central California coast to understand how populations are changing over time and inform management strategies for this culturally and economically important species.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Small-scale fisheries pose significant management challenges as they are often understudied and lack data, yet they can be economically and culturally important. Pismo clams (Tivela stultorum) exemplify these issues. This iconic California native species supported a commercial fishery through the mid-20th century and continued to support a robust recreational fishery until the 1980s when populations declined. Despite its importance, there had been little research on Pismo clams for more than 50 years.
Recent observations suggested that Pismo clam populations were increasing along the central coast of California. While the causes of this increase are unknown, this presented an opportunity to improve understanding and inform management of this species to support its recovery. The project aimed to explore the population dynamics and spatial ecology of Pismo clams along the central California coast to illuminate how populations were changing over time and how they were spatially distributed along central coast beaches.
The research team successfully completed their investigation of the spatial distribution and habitat associations of Pismo clams on California beaches and developed growth and mortality rate estimates for the species. These findings were used to develop a population model that allows managers to evaluate the impact of potential management strategies and understand the impact that poaching is having on Pismo clam populations. The project was accomplished with community partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks and Creek Lands Conservation, and included public outreach and education activities to increase public awareness and support for Pismo clam recovery.
2022 California Sea Grant Graduate Research Fellowship Webinar Presentation - June 25, 2024