GULF SHELLFISH INSTITUTE, INC.
PALMETTO, FLORIDA

The Gulf Shellfish Institute, Inc. (GSI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, formed in 2015. MISSION The mission of GSI is to facilitate, support and encourage increased production of shellfish in Florida and the Gulf region for both economic and environmental benefit through cooperative, industry-driven research and outreach. What factors control reproduction in the Researchers with the Gulf Shellfish Institute, in collaboration with a commercial shellfish hatchery, are investigating the factors that control the reproductive process so that juveniles can be produced throughout the year. The Gulf Shellfish Institute is working with Port Manatee to determine the effectiveness of planting native clams as a means of augmenting seagrass production in Tampa Bay. Researchers will compare water quality, sediment composition, and seagrass growth between areas stocked with clams and areas receiving no clams. Clams were once a commercial fishery in Tampa Bay.  Not only will this project help improve water quality in the bay (and thus support enhanced seagrass production), it will help restock this once valuable resource.