soft shell clams

Sweet. Briny. Oceanic.

Steamers. Longnecks.

These clams a a thinner, almost brittle shell that is not tightly closed. Unique for their long sipons which allow them to stay buried in the sand or mud safe from predators while being able to feed. In regions like new Englnad, soft shell clams are not just seafood, they're a cultural icon. They play a significant role in local economies especially in small coastal communities where clamming is a way of life and an economic mainstay.

A brief history

The soft shell clam industry in New England has deep roots intertwined with both cultural and economic elements. Long before settlers arrived, indigenous peoples along the Atlantic coast harvested soft shell clams. They used these clams not only as a food source, but also for trading purposes and for making tools and ornaments. Settlers quickly adopted clamming as part of their livelihood. Clams were a reliable and easy-to-harvest food source. By the 19th century, clams had become integral to the diet of coastal communities.

The soft shell clam industry saw significant growth in the early to mid-20th century, with improvements in transportation allowing clams to be shipped to larger urban centers, increasing their market reach.

During this period, clamming evolved into a commercialized industry with the developetn of clam shacks, restaurants, and a tourist market.

In recent decades, climate change and environmental factors have posed new challenges to the soft shell clam industry, affecting the growth and survival of clams.

habitat

spawn

If the siphon of a soft shell clam is damaged or partially eaten by a predator, it can regenerate, which is vital for its survivability and ability to feed

Soft shell clams grow to a size of about 4 to 6 inches in length. The size they reach can vary depending on environmental factors such as the availability of food, the quality of the substrate in which they live, and the density of the clam population in the area. These clams have a relatively fast growth rate, and can reach marketable size (about 2 inches in shell length) within 3 to 4 years.

Size

Like other bivalves, soft shell clams are filter feeders. They have a specialized diet that consists mainly of plankton and detritus. To feed, soft shell clams use their siphons to draw water into their shells, then filter out food particles with their gills. They expel the filtered water, retaining the food which is then directed to their mouths. This efficient filter feeding system allows them to intake the necessary nutrients while remaining buried in the substrate, which offers protection from predators and environmental factors.

Diet

Body

The soft shell clam has a distinct anatomy tailored to its burrowing and filter-feeding lifestyle.

The clam's shell is composed of two hinged parts called valves. These are relatively thin and brittle compared to those of hard shell clams. The shells are oblong in shape, and can open and close thanks to a ligament at the hinge.

shell

One of the most distinctive features of the soft shell clam is its long siphons, which are fused together for most of their length. These siphons extend well beyond the edge of the shell and are used for drawing in water for feeding and respiration, and expelling filtered water and wastes.

siphon

Soft shell clams burrow into sandy or muddy bottoms of intertidal zones. They are often found in sheltered areas such as tidal flats, bays, estuaries, and inlets where the water is brackish and nutrient-rich.

Soft shell clams generally spawn during the warmer months, typically starting around late spring through summer when water temperatures rise about 50F. Clams reach reproductive maturity when they are about 2 to 3 years old. At this stag,e they are capable of participating in the spawning process.

Mussels are a versatile ingredient in the culinary world, celebrated for their sweet, mild flavor and tender texture.

Blue mussels are highly prized for their sweet and delicate flavor, which is often described as lightly briny with a hint of ocean freshness.

In the Kitchen

The texture of blue mussels is tender and slightly chewy when cooked properly. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so timing is key.

The mussel's color variation—ranging from white to orange—depends primarily on the sex and diet of the mussel. Generally, the orange-colored flesh is characteristic of female mussels, while the paler, whiter flesh typically belongs to male mussels. The color difference is due to the presence of various pigments in the gonads. Further, mussels that feed on certain types of plankton rich in carotenoids (organic pigments found in plants and some microorganisms) may develop a more pronounced orange hue. These color variations are natural and do not typically affect the taste or quality of mussels.

Common Cooking Methods: Steamed Mussels in broth, mussel soup, mussels in pasta, paella, moules frites. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them excellent for a variety of dishes, from simple steamed preparations to complex stews and curries

Soft Shell Clams are primarily found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Their geographic range extends from the southern Canadian provinces down to the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. In the Northeast, these clams are abundant from Maine through Massachusetts, with Maine being particularly famous for its soft shell populations.

Soft shell clams have been significant impacted by the invasive green crab which preys on them. This has led to various management efforts, including the use of protective neeting over clam beds to help juvenile clams grow without predation.

Soft shell clams are considered indicator species for environmental monitoring. Because they are filter feeders and sensitive to pollution and changes in water quality, their health and population dynamics can indicate broader environmental conditions.

Fishing & Sustainability

Harvest Methods

Hand Digging. Forks and Rakes. Suction Harvesting. Dredging.

Hand-Harvesting: with short-handled tools like clam hoes, spades, or rakes to dig in the sand or mud in intertidal zones. Tools like rakes or forks, help loosen the substrate. 

Suction Harvesting: Suction devices, also known as clam guns or water jets are used. These devices use a jet to loosen the mud and sand around the clams, making them easier to collect. This is less labor-intensive but can be more disruptive to the environment. Larger commercial operations may use hydraulic dredging, which involves a mechanized system to vacuum up clams from the seabed.

In many regions, the harvesting of soft shell clams is strictly regulated to ensure sustainability. Regulations may include limits on the size of clams that can be harvested, the amount taken per day, and the times of year when clamming is allowed.

Efforts such as seeding clam flats with juvenile clams, and protecting areas from predators like the invasive green crab are part of contemporary strategies to support the industry.

Environmental Impact & Efforts

  • In Maine, there are size restrictions for harvesting soft shell clams to ensure sustainability. The size is set at a minimum shell length of 2 inches. Clammers in Maine use a tool called a "clam ring" to measure all clams they collect. Clams smaller than this must be returned to their habitat to grow to maturity and contribute to future populations.

  • There are restrictions on the number of soft shell clams that can be harvested in Maine to ensure the sustainability of clam populations. Many areas in Maine set daily catch limits for recreational and commercial clammers. Harvesters are generally required to have a license or permit

  • At times, certain areas may also impose seasonal restrictions that limit clamming during breeding seasons or times of stress.

According to NOAA, the U.S. wild-caught sea scallops are a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.