Possible Effects of Passamaquoddy Power Project on Clams, Scallops and Shipworms in Canadian Waters

Only three molluscs in the Passamaquoddy region of the Bay of Fundy have economic significance. The annual soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) production now at 4 million lb will drop 2 million and fishermen's earnings will drop to $100,000 because the area of clam flats in the High Pool will decrease 95%. Annual scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) production, now at 60,000 lb, will increase to about 90,000 lb and fishermen's earnings will increase to about $36,000 because reduced water exchange in the High Pool will favour survival of larvae and recruitment of scallop stocks. The shipworm (Teredo navalis), no problem now, will become an expensive pest in the Low and High Pools because higher water temperatures will encourage the build-up of heavy breeding populations.