Global bivalve mollusk aquaculture has grown significantly in recent decades due to their economic, ecological, nutritional, and health benefits. Despite their suitability for mariculture, clam aquaculture remains unexplored in Bangladesh. This study marks the first trial of hard clam, Meretrix meretrix aquaculture in two southeast coastal channels, Chowfaldandi and Rejukhal, using three culture systems-hapa (net cage), basket, and bag-suspended from floating bamboo rafts. The potential effect of eco-physiological parameters on growth, survival and culture systems was also evaluated. After six-month (March–September) of culture, significantly greater survival was found in hapa systems (36% and 51%) compared to baskets (2.3% and 10.7%) and bags (9.5% and 16.6%) at both sites. Covarience revealed location alone did not significantly impact survival, but culture system-location interaction was critical. Growth performance, including shell length increment and weight gain, was significantly higher in hapa systems, especially at Rejukhal. Growth correlated positively with temperature, turbidity, and phytoplankton abundance but negatively with salinity, while dissolved oxygen and pH showed no significant impact. Phytoplankton abundance was temperature-dependent and negatively affected by salinity and pH. A drop of salinity, pH and DO during monsoon rain reduced shell growth. Principal Component Analysis showed that the phytoplankton, dissolved oxygen, and temperature positively influenced growth, while salinity and pH enhanced survival. This study highlights the potential of multi-layer suspended clam culture technology to promote integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, enhance sustainability, support carbon-neutral practices, create alternative livelihoods, and alleviate pressure on wild populations in Bangladesh's coastal ecosystems.
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