amount of choline which could be detected was 0.2 mg; the smallest amount 

 of ACh which could be assayed was 0.00001 mg or 0.01 gamma. Hard clams are 

 easily available and can be kept for long periods, which makes them suitable 

 as a simple tool for bioassay of choline derivatives. - J.L.M. 



1693 



Smith, Christopher Field. 1979. 



Aspects of hard clam management in Great South Bay, New York. Thesis 

 submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master 

 of Science in Marine Environmental Sciences, Marine Sciences Research Center, 

 State University of New York, Stony Brook, N.Y.,viii+96 p. 



The study considers standing stock, growth, mortality, fishing and natural, 

 and. recruitment in stocks of hard clam from Maine to Georgia, and derives 

 estimates of low, medium, and high values for each. These are combined to 

 produce a conceptual model of the probable status of the stocks of hard 

 clam in Great South Bay, New York. The conclusion is that the stocks cannot 

 stand an increase in exploitation rate, and that probably a reduction in 

 fishing effort is warranted. The minimum size limit of one inch in thickness 

 is examined and it is concluded that it is not too low to affect the success 

 of reproduction. A larger biomass might be harvested if the limit were 

 raised, but since the most valuable clams are the smallest ones, and since 

 these are marketed by count rather than by volume, the lowest safe size limit 

 would be best. There is not sufficient knowledge at present to say what this 

 is, and it probably changes with time. There is also not adequate knowledge 

 to determine at present whether hatchery techniques are feasible for large 

 scale operation. - J.L.M. 



1694 



Smith, F. A., L. Ortolano, R. M. Davis, and R. 0. Brush. 1970. 



Fourteen selected marine resource problems of Long Island, New York: 

 Descriptive evaluations. Traveler's Research Corp., Hartford, Conn.,v+128 p. 



Shellfishing is one of Long Island's oldest and most important marine 

 industries. Venus mevcenavia is the principal species. Hard clam is for the 

 most part non-migratory, which is an advantage and a disadvantage. Intensive 

 cultivation and management is possible, and this can be done under control of 

 local jurisdictions. But the stock is critically dependent on maintenance of 

 favorable habitat over the entire life cycle. Even temporary adverse con- 

 ditions cannot be escaped. Hard clam landings in N.Y. about tripled from 1954 

 to 1968. The clam industry is a mixed operation engaged in by large companies 

 with advanced harvesting equipment, by small-scale baymen, part-time and full- 

 time using traditional methods, and as a family quasi-recreational pursuit. 

 Some beds are privately owned or leased, others are public. Good natural sets 

 have been the rule since the early 19 60s, after severe hurricane damage in the 

 1960s. There is evidence of overharvesting in Huntington Bay public grounds 

 on the north shore of L.I. Reduced productivity was not noted on leased 

 grounds in Huntington Bay, nor on public grounds of south shore bays. Need 

 for management, and perhaps limits on entry, is evident. About 10% of 

 shellfish growing areas are closed for public health reasons. A limited, 

 largely experimental program of transplanting clams to open areas was 

 underway, but transplanting was estimated to add more than $2 per bu to 

 total cost of product. The State has been operating a depuration plant, and 

 improved domestic waste treatment and changes in methods of handling duck 

 farm wastes were expected to improve the situation. L.I. shellfish pro- 

 duction is capable of improvement, especially if aquacultural methods are 

 adopted. Principal governmental agencies with developmental or regulatory 

 interests are the State Bureau of Marine Fisheries, which can issue leases 

 to State-owned bottom, issue permits for shellfishing, license processors 

 and shippers, enforce regulations on seasons and size limits, close areas for 

 sanitary reasons, and enforce regulations on harvesting, transplanting, and 

 shipping of contaminated clams. The State does not have power to restrict 

 commercial entry to public clam grounds or to directly regulate total harvest. 

 Various town governments also may lease bottoms under their jurisdiction to 

 private planters, and issue permits for harvesting in town waters. In 

 interstate commerce, regulations are controlled by the National Shellfish 



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