Clam larvae, on the other hand do not require cultch but can be set on screeens in large numbers in an upweller or flow through system as is commonly done now in hatcheries. Recent innovations introduced by Island Scallops Ltd. allow for mass remote setting directly on the intertidal beach or in floating enclosures in deep water avoiding the need for temperature-controlled setting tanks. Setting can also be done on contract with companies eqipped with setting tanks. The grower supplies the cultch, and the contractor supplies the larvae, setting tanks and expertise. For more details on setting technology see the setting page .
Cultched Growers can avoid setting altogether by purchasing seed after it has set.
For seed on cultch such as shell or tubes, the bulk and weight of this precludes shipping over any great distance but set and conditioned seed is available from some suppliers. Here the suppliers order the larvae and do the setting on their own shell cultch in vexar bags. The fastest possible turn-around time is to set in April and have conditioned seed available for delivery to the grower in July or August. This is possible only in good years when conditions are optimum for high juvenile growth rates. Conditioned oyster seed on shell cultch.