Atlantic surf clam

SIZE : 

Up to 22.5 cm.

LIFE EXPECTANCY : 

About 10 years, up to 30 years.

LIFE CYCLE : 

Sexual maturity around 4 years.

Atlantic surf clam can be male or female, with no apparent physical difference.

Individuals release their reproductive cells simultaneously, and fertilization takes place in the water. Reproduction takes place mainly in July and August. Eggs become planktonic larvae, then grow into young miniature surf clams that burrow into the sand. Surf clams grow faster in cold water. They reach 9 cm in 5 or 6 years.

Coastal zone, usually up to 45 m deep.

The Atlantic surf clam buries itself in shallow sand. It prefers bottoms with strong currents.

PREY :

Plankton

PREDATORS :

Seabirds
Crabs
Sharks
Cods

MACHINES :

Hydraulic dredge, hand harvesting.

REGULATIONS :

• Specified fishing season
• Minimum size of 90 mm
• Limited number of permits
• Quotas
• Commercial fishing is exclusively practiced in the Magdalen Islands.
• Recreational harvesting is authorized in the Gaspé Peninsula and in the Magdalen Islands. A daily maximum of 300 Atlantic surf clam is authorized.

BENEFITS : 

Bivalve molluscs are rich in protein, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin A.

LET’S COOK : 

Slightly rubbery texture. Sweet, fine taste.

OUR CULINARY ADVICE :

• To avoid a rubbery texture, the best way to prepare Atlantic surf clams is to cut them into thin strips and then bread and fry them.
• Some high-end chefs use them raw.
• Its large, solid shell can be used as a plate to serve its own meat in an original way.