The production of bivalves, including clams, is considered one of the most sustainable food production systems in the world. Despite European native clam species being high-value resources, their abundance has undergone significant fluctuations, and a major challenge for the sustainability of the sector is the consistent and continuous supply of high-quality seed (juveniles). In this context, hatcheries represent a viable alternative to traditional harvesting methods. However, there is a lack of hatchery-based solutions capable of producing and selling seed to small and medium-scale producers. Within this framework, PortableCLAMat aims to develop a compact, automated, modular, and portable hatchery system for native clams. The innovative aspects of PortableCLAMat include: (i) its modular design and portability, facilitating transport, installation, and system scalability; (ii) its reduced size, making it ideal for producers with limited space availability and promoting flexibility in production systems; (iii) a high degree of automation, including feed production and distribution through photobioreactors, and real-time system monitoring via a user-friendly digital interface, simplifying operation; (iv) implementation consistency, ensuring year-round seed supply regardless of seasonal maturation cycles and interannual variability in recruitment; (v) energy efficiency, through the use of renewable energy sources; and (vi) affordable cost and operation for small producers or aquaculture associations.
