The effect of predator netting on clam recruitment in Baynes Sound, B.C. with a special focus on the response of the Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum)

Passive and active forces determine the patterns of settlement of invertebrate larvae. Research efforts into larval settlement have been dominated by attached and conspicuous species in hard substrate environments. Here, data on early recruitment patterns of a mobile bivalve species from a soft-sediment habitat is provided. In particular, how intertidal clam aquaculture netting influences the distribution of settling pediveliger larvae was investigated. Early recruitment patterns of Manila clam larvae (Venerupis philippinarum) were examined in relation to predator netting used in farming clams in British Columbia. A method for sampling recent settlers from intertidal sediments was developed, proven effective and employed to sample settled clams (