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asian clam

Invading clams in chilly Tahoe are slow to reproduce

New research by scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno found that cold temperatures and lack of food combine to discourage reproduction of Asian clams in the lake.

"This could be good news. It really could be," said Sudeep Chandra, a UNR researcher specializing in freshwater science.

"The fact is Lake Tahoe has a few things going for it when it comes to this invasive species spreading around," Chandra said.

Diminished ability to reproduce could mean that efforts to manage clam populations — including killing them by covering clam beds with rubber mats — have a better chance at long-term success, Chandra said.

"The question is, at what rate do they grow? If they are outgrowing what you manage, the problem will keep coming back," Chandra said.

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