Clams - Surf clam, ocean quahog harvests down; Manila clam production on rise

摘要

The market for surf clams, described by one processor as the "Cadillac of clams" because of its culinary versatility, has been a smooth ride for the past several of years. This stability is due to one of the oldest ITQ (individual transferable quota)fishing management plans in the country Implemented in the early 1990s, the ITQ system has resulted in fewer boats fishing for surf clams, an integrated ocean-to-market product pipeline (in some cases processors own the boats that fish for the clams), supplies and prices with very little fluctuation and a well-managed, sustainable resource.