The following information was in an exhibit at the Central Flordia show being held this week end. The exhibitor is Shanin Leeming, a high school student who lives in Merritt Island, FL. Can herbal Viagra be used to induce spontaneous spawning in farm grown clams(Mercenaria mercenaria)? The purpose of this project is to discover whether or not herbal Viagra can be used to induce spontaneous spawning in farm-raised clams(mariculture). Additionally, state controlled projects promoting resource enhancement of the species might benefit from this research if it proves to be viable and cost-effective. The clams used in this experiment were divided evenly between two spawning tables at Southern cross Sea Farms, Merritt Island, Fl. They were both given the same amount of food, subjected to the same temperature deviations, and all other variables were controlled. The experiment was performed the first time with positive results. The spawning tables were reversed, and the same experiment was repeated one week later to verify previous results. In both cases, the experimental group was inoculated with 6 ml(35 cents per ml) of herbal Viagra (Yohimbe). The effects were clearly visible in the experimental group. It was noted that the subjects were much more relaxed. This observation can be made by inspecting the position of the siphons extended by the subjects. The siphons in the experimental group were exposed to a much greater extent than those of the control group. Relaxation in clams is a behavorial indicator that spawning is eminent. In both tests, the experimental group spawned well before the control group spawned(although not spontaneously). In the first experimental group 56 males and 9 females spawned. In the second experimental group 42 males and 16 females spawned. Subsequently, the spawns were monitored to ensure that herbal Viagra did not have a negative impact on the viability of the resulting larvae. None were observed. After completion of these tests, the following conclusions were formed: herbal Viagra enhances the spawning ability of hard shell clams. It causes clams to spawn more quickly and with less need for temperature cycling. It is cost effective. I t does not induce spontaneous spawning, but it could prove to be a valuable benefit to the mariculture industry and to resource enhancement of the wild harvest clam.