ABSTRACT
The Surf Clam (Spisula solidissima) Other common names: skimmer, hen clam, sea
clam, giant clam, bar clam. While surf clams range from the Gulf of St.
Lawrence to South Carolina, the center of the fishery is in the Mid-Atlantic region, most notably New Jersey. They are large and somewhat triangular in shape, attaining shell lengths up to 9 inches. Surf clams are found in near-shore areas out to 200 feet. This is a major fishery, producing 63 million pounds of meats in 1996, accounting for nearly half of the clam meat production from all species. They are harvested primarily with large, highly efficient hydraulic dredges (Figure 2). Surf clams are used extensively to produce clam strips and are retailed only in processed form. Ocean Quahog
Arctica islandica. Other common names: mahogany clam, mahogany quahog, black quahog, black clam.
