Pre-fattening modelling of clam (Ruditapes philippinarum)

Abstract

In 2023, the invasive species Callinectes sapidus, known as the blue crab, caused a lot of damage to the Venericulture sector of the Upper Adriatic, decimating, in particular, the breeding of true clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) and the schools that provided natural seed. To restart the sector, it is necessary to increase seed production from a controlled supply chain, through implementation of new hatcheries and correct management of the pre-fattening phases, necessary for bring the clams to seed size. These phases are often conducted based on experience, in the absence of standardized protocols that indicate which, for example, are the best tools and the optimal densities to use, in relation to the environmental variables that they can influence the growth of clams. The main objective of the thesis is the preparation of a virtual model of post-setting and first pre-fattening processes, which can be used to provide these useful indications to optimize these processes.