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Seafood Watch - Seafood Guide

Clams, Softshell/Steamers

©Scandinavian Fishing Yearbook/www.scandfish.com
SEAFOODRATINGMARKET NAMESWHERE CAUGHTHOW CAUGHT
Atlantic Surf Clams Good Alternative: These are good alternatives to the best choices column. There are some concerns with how they are fished or farmed – or with the health of their habitats due to other human impacts. U.S. Atlantic Wild-caught
Clams Best Choice: These fish are abundant, well managed and fished or farmed in environmentally friendly ways. Steamers, Littlenecks, Cockles Worldwide Farmed
Giant Clam/Geoduck Best Choice: These fish are abundant, well managed and fished or farmed in environmentally friendly ways. Mirugai, Horseneck Clam, Long Necked Clam, Jumbo Clam U.S., Canadian Pacific Wild-caught
Hard Clams Good Alternative: These are good alternatives to the best choices column. There are some concerns with how they are fished or farmed – or with the health of their habitats due to other human impacts. Littleneck, Cherrystone, Chowder U.S. Atlantic Wild-caught
Ocean Quahog Clams Good Alternative: These are good alternatives to the best choices column. There are some concerns with how they are fished or farmed – or with the health of their habitats due to other human impacts. Quahag, Black Clam U.S. Atlantic Wild-caught
Softshell/Steamers Clams Best Choice: These fish are abundant, well managed and fished or farmed in environmentally friendly ways. Steamer, Longneck, Fryer U.S. Atlantic Wild-caught


Softshell Clams

The population of softshell clams is considered “unknown” since population assessments aren’t conducted consistently.

Summary

Softshell clams are commercially caught primarily in the state waters of Maine. Softshell clams live in intertidal mud flats and the majority is caught with hand rakes or hoes. These methods impact habitats less than other methods, like hydraulic dredging. Softshell clam harvesters are commonly known as “diggers.”

Softshell clams begin reproducing by the beginning of their first year and live 7 to 12 years.

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