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CCA Florida and Partners to Launch Historic Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Billion Clam Initiative

First phase will deploy 4 million clams in the IRL using state-of-the-art drone for precise distribution

Orlando, Fla. – April 25, 2024 – On Friday, Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, will join Capt. Blair Wiggins of Blair Wiggins Outdoors, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and University of Florida (UF) Whitney Lab to launch the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Billion Clam Initiative and deploy 4 million clams using a patented drone and innovative methodologies.

The Billion Clam Initiative focuses on revitalizing and preserving the delicate ecosystem in the IRL by using state-of-the-art technology to systematically distribute clams on a largescale basis. The advantage of spreading clams with a drone will help overcome predation pressures and enable larger numbers of clams to be restored to the IRL. Drone distribution will also help plant clams in specific locations and densities, vastly accelerating the maturation process when compared to manual spreading.

“The IRL Billion Clam Initiative is a science-backed, collaborative effort with the goal of improving water quality in the IRL,” CCA Florida Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration Frank Gidus said. “The upcoming clam planting is an historic event for the IRL, as clam restoration has never been conducted on such a broad scale, and we are proud to work with such amazing partners who helped make this day happen.”

Clams are filter feeders, removing excess nutrients from inshore coastal waters, as a result, creating clearer water. Improved water clarity allows more sunlight to penetrate the ecosystem and supports the growth of essential seagrasses, a vital need for the IRL. The restorative work from the clam planting will form the foundation for rebuilding shellfish populations, benefitting the needs for today and tomorrow.

Since 2017, the partners have planted more 27 million clams in the IRL. To help kick start the Billion Clam Initiative, CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Mariculture Center donated $100,000 in October 2023.

The deployment is scheduled for Friday, April 26 at 9 a.m. at Hog Point 4520 SR-A1A Melbourne Beach.

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