Arctic Surf Clams

Backgrounder

Managing fisheries based on robust scientific evidence is a priority for the government, and the long-term sustainability of the arctic surf clam fishery is the government’s primary concern.

Arctic surf clams are long lived and slow growing. They can reach 170 mm across, and significant numbers of surf clams appear to reach 40 years of age. The oldest observed specimen found in Canadian waters was 92 years old on Banquereau Bank.

Surf clams are found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the western Atlantic, their range begins near the Strait of Belle Isle and extends south to Rhode Island. Surf clams live in ocean areas with sandy bottoms in which they can burrow, from the intertidal zone to about 100 metres in depth.

The offshore Arctic surf clam fishery has been operating on the Scotian Shelf since 1986, and on the Grand Banks since 1989. The landed value of the surf clam fishery is estimated to be worth $38 million.

Popular in sushi

Arctic surf clams stand out by their bright red colour in the mantle and foot after cooking. They are popular in sushi preparations in Japan, China, and South Korea, where they are known as hokkigai.

The fishery has used large freezer processor vessels since 1992. There have been three vessels active for most years, fishing on both Banquereau and the Grand Banks. Currently, the fishery employs hundreds of Atlantic Canadians in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in well-paid, year-round jobs.

The combined total allowable catch (TAC) for Banquereau and the Grand Banks has remained at 38,756 tonnes for several years, and landings have been consistently well below the TAC. There has never been a harvest greater than 26,000 tonnes in any one year.

Consultations

Given the complex nature of the fishery and uncertainties over the life cycle of the species, the Department is reviewing the science advice and its management approach to ensure that high-density beds are not being fished faster than they can recover.

Further consultations will be held with interested stakeholders, industry and indigenous groups to get input on the best way to manage the stock.

New release: Minister Tootoo Sets Arctic Surf Clam Total Allowable Catch

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