A final report to the Virginia Department of Highways on hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) populations in the vicinity of the Hampton Roads bridge-tunnel (I-64)

I-564 will be constructed in Hampton Roads in an area where the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria is fished commercially. Because of this clam 1s economic value and because Hampton Roads is the major producing region for this species, it is worthwhile that every prer:: aution be taken during construction of I-664 to minimize the possibility of damage to this resource. To achieve this objective, this study was undertaken to evaluate the pwsible impact of I-64 and of construction activities around I-64 on adjacent populations of the hard clam. The objective of the study was that if damage or potential damage is noted, construction techniques may be modified during I-664 construction so that damage in the vicinity of the new area is minimized