Maryland’s soft‑shell clam (Mya arenaria) has shaped coastal communities for generations, yet its future now depends on new science and smarter stewardship. In this talk, Dr. Liu will share the story of Maryland’s soft‑shell clam from its historic fishery to the new science shaping its future. Learn how this species grows and lives, why it has struggled in recent decades, and how new advances in selective breeding, hatchery production, and aquaculture methods could help rebuild wild populations and expand aquaculture opportunities across the Bay. A clear, accessible look at the research driving Maryland’s next chapter in coastal restoration.
Dr. Ming Liu is an associate professor at Morgan State University and leads the shellfish aquaculture program at its Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL). He has more than 16 years of experience in shellfish genetic breeding and farming practices. His team focuses on developing oyster lines that are resilient to environmental stress and advancing soft-shell clam aquaculture as an alternative for Maryland’s shellfish industry.
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MMNS believes there should be no barriers to education. If you can’t pay, that’s okay. If you can pay, great. If you can pay more, please do, so this kind of education can continue.