The Maine Shellfish Handbook

This handbook updates The Maine Clam Handbook (1998), which was based on Increasing Clam Harvests in Maine (1983). The material included in this edition has been selected with the purpose of assisting individuals and coastal towns in the development of shellfish managementprograms that encourage stewardship of local resources and promote sustainable coastal communities. This publication contains information on the history and biology of the soft-shell clam, northern quahog, American and European oysters, and blue mussels. Expanded sections on state resources to address water quality issues and predatory species have been added, as well as information about tools that municipalities can use to preserve or increase their intertidal shellfish resources. This handbook is organized into five chapters, beginning with a summary of the need for and history of shellfish management in the state. The second chapter provides guidance on establishing a municipal shellfish program and recommendations for communicating the value of shellfishing in local communities. The third chapter describes relevant aspects of shellfish biology and the fourth chapter outlines a municipal shellfish toolbox with advice about how to conduct shellfish surveys and enhance shellfish stocks. The fifth chapter offers some next steps for getting involved in shellfish co-management and diversifying Maine’s bivalve fishery. Grant no. NA18OAR4170103 Grant no. NA14OAR4170072