Purposes

The purposes of this Act are— (1) to ensure that bivalve trends in East Coast States regarding productivity and abundance are characterized and that research needs are identified; (2) to prioritize scientific research needs for commercially harvested and aquacultured East Coast bivalves; (3) to address the increased variability or decline in harvests of key bivalve species in East Coast States, including quahogs (hard clams), by creating a coordinated bivalve research strategy; and (4) to support collaboration and coordination for bivalve conservation efforts in East Coast States.