LOWER CLAM BAY Lower Clam Bay, sometimes referred to as Outer Clam Bay, is an estimated 72-acre lagoon connected to the Gulf by a small channel leading north, then west to Clam Pass. The channel is has a natural tendency to be constricted in places; thus at times restricting flow to the southern parts of the bay. Depths vary from less than one to four feet with an average depth of three feet. The north end of the bay and channel is sometimes exposed at low tide. This bay is strongly influenced by mixed tides (diurnal and semi-diurnal) and is usually turbid due to the suspension of fine sands in tidal currents. Salinities range from 15 to 35 parts per thousand. This bay has been reported to have the highest algal diversity of the back bay system, consisting mainly of epiphytic species found on the prop roots of red mangroves in the intertidal zone (Humm and Rehm, 1972). Sea beds, mainly shoal grass (Halodule beaudettei also known as Halodule wrightii) (Devlin, et al, 1987), were historically present along with eighty-four species of flora and fauna (Coral Ridge Collier Properties, 1979). Included are tunicates, horn and dove shells, pink shrimp, xanthid and portunid crabs, lizardfish, mullet, perch, file and pinfish, mojarra, goby and juvenile gray snapper (FDER, 1984). Lower Clam Bay and its surrounding mangrove forest, although altered appear at a glance to be in a nearly natural state, with the exception of 14 acres which were altered by illegal fill activity by a previous owner of the property in 1972. This altered area is located in the northern portion of the bay, west of the narrow and was invaded by exotics, which have since been cleared. A 2,900 foot long and 10 foot wide boardwalk and pier was constructed through the mangroves over a narrow section of Lower Clam Bay in 1986. Other possible stressors to this bay include the restriction of overland flow of fresh water by the Pelican Bay and Naples
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