Hard clams (quahogs) are grown throughout the Mid Atlantic region in a variety of environments. Most operations involve planting hatchery stock and providing some form of protection during the growth stage.
Hard clams typically reach market sizes from 18 months – 3 years, depending on the area and size desired. The vast majority of clams grown in the Mid-Atlantic region are exported to northern markets although some small producers market clams locally.
Several factors can threaten successful harvests of farm raised clams, including diseases, weather damage, and predation. Predators of hard clams include gulls, crabs, whelks, moon snails, rays, sharks, and other sea life.
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