- Certifier :
- SCS Global Services
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 16 Dec 2016
- Certificate expires :
- 15 Jun 2027
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic surf clam (Spisula solidissima) | 2019 | 37,300 |
| Ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) | 2019 | 44,812 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
The two clam species in this fishery are harvested using hydraulic clam dredges along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Surfclam harvests are focused from off the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) peninsula in the south, up to Georges Bank, Massachussetts in the north.
Ocean quahog harvests are focused from eastern Long Island/southern New England up to Georges Bank, with most harvests occurring between 40 and 100 miles offshore.
Catch is landed in processed in various along the coast between New Bedford, Massachussetts and Ocean City Maryland.
The fishery is managed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council under a single Fishery Management Plan since 1977.
Market Information
Clam strips, chowder, clam juice, chopped clam meat, sauces to retail, restaurant and food service markets.