La palourde. Dossier d'élevage

Introduction: Through the combined works of research, local communities and professionals, a new activity has been created, "vénériculture", i.e. clam farming. Thanks to the knowledge acquired in research as well as production in the shellfish field, clam production results followed shortly thereafter. Rightly so, only 10 years have elapsed since the beginning of the research and the actual production phase (500 t) involving about 300 professionals. Research conducted by IFREMER positively contributes to the creation of new trades as well as diversity within existing professions. Clams are marketed nationally as well as exported. French producers are truly competent, but the prospect of open borders and increasing competition requires maintaining a high level of technicality in order to improve our stock's productivity. IFREMER's role is not limited to knowledge improvement, transferring what has been acquired is one of IFREMER's major mission. It is the purpose of this document as well. It summarizes the knowledge acquired in laboratory as well as on the field, by scientists and producers. It provides technical management references for farmers. It will require regular updates in order to last, the reason being why its format contains files in a binder. I appreciate the work accomplished by the Département des Ressources Aquacoles (Aquaculture Resource Department) and the Service Valorisation de la Recherche de l'IFREMER (IFREMER's Research Development Department) which closely worked with professional managers. This document is the first of a series and will cover different species for which farming has been mastered.