Clams: Ocean quahog

Quahag, Black Clam

N/A

Ocean quahogs are relatively long-lived and late-maturing. Stocks are considered abundant, are not overfished, and overfishing is not occurring. Hydraulic clam dredges are the gear type most commonly used to harvest ocean quahogs which cause a great amount of damage to the benthic habitat. There is very little bycatch associated with this fishery. Ocean quahogs are managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, under the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan. Management is considered highly effective, although concern remains about the habitat effects of hydraulic clam dredging.

Ocean quahogs first reach sexual maturity at a moderate age (7 years), and are a long-lived species with a maximum age of 225 years. Due to these life history characteristics, ocean quahogs are considered moderately vulnerable to fishing pressure.

Ocean quahog stocks are considered healthy, as stocks are above acceptable conservation thresholds. These stocks are not considered overfished, and overfishing is not occurring and rank as a low conservation concern.

There is little bycatch associated with hydraulic clam dredges, and there is no bycatch of protected species occurring with use of this gear type.either of these gear types. Hydraulic clam dredges are efficient at harvesting the targeted clam species, with bycatch composing between 15-18% of the total catch. Bycatch in the ocean quahog fishery rates as a low conservation concern.

Hydraulic clam dredges used to harvest ocean quahogs have been shown to have severe impacts on bottom habitat, including long-term modification of the physical structure through the creation of furrows, as well as the removal of topographic features. Dredging for ocean quahogs rates as a high conservation concern.

Ocean quahogs are managed under a U.S. Fishery Management Plan, and recent stock assessments have been conducted. Both fishery independent and dependent data are used to assess the ocean quahog resources. Management measures have been implemented and overall, management has been maintained stock productivity. A bycatch plan is not deemed necessary due to the low bycatch levels associated with clam dredging.
Management of ocean quahogs is considered highly effective

What kind of clams are these?

Are they farmed or wild?

Adults and children can safely eat more than 4 meals per month + Low contaminant levels

No.