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The first specimens of Ruditapes decussatus have arrived at AquaLab, OKEANOS – University of the Azores’ experimental aquaculture laboratory, as part of the ACUICONECTA project, with the support of associated partner APAS – Associação de Produtores de Amêijoa da Fajã de Santo Cristo.

The specimens were collected from the Fajã de Santo Cristo lagoon, on the island of São Jorge, the only known location in the Azores where this species occurs. Their arrival marks the beginning of a new phase of experimental work focused on studying the species’ adaptation to controlled culture conditions.

As part of the preliminary work for Beatriz Silva’s Master’s thesis, the first acclimation and feeding trials are being carried out at AquaLab. The aim is to assess the specimens’ adaptation to the culture system and contribute to the development of knowledge that may support future aquaculture applications for this species.

This initiative brings together scientific research and the local aquaculture sector, connecting knowledge developed in the laboratory with the needs and opportunities of aquaculture in the Azores.

The images show the first stages of receiving, acclimating and housing the specimens at the AquaLab facilities.