According to the study, paid for by the LGA, the breeding seasons were particularly long in Boon Bay, located on the west side of the lake north of Diamond Point, over the two-year study period.

The researchers examined 3,579 clams from three locations. The other two study sites were in the Southern Basin, near the village of Lake George.

The Darrin Freshwater Institute dissected the clams to determine how many were reproductively active and at what size they began to procreate, according to the report.

Among other findings, researchers found the clams grow at a rate of around 0.2 millimeter to 0.3 millimeter per week, and they don’t begin to reproduce until they reach a width greater than 10.55 millimeters. The earliest onset of reproductive activity was May 4, and the latest case was Dec. 9.

Lender said the study raised more questions, specifically about why some clam colonies seem to be more active than others. But the results may spur a change in clam control efforts in the lake, specifically the use of “benthic mats” to smother the clams during the winter months.