Arctic surf clams are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans, as well as in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the western Atlantic, they range from the Strait of Belle Isle south to Rhode Island.
Surf clams live in ocean areas with sandy bottoms, from near shore to about 300 feet in depth. Arctic surf clams are long lived and slow growing.
Canada’s offshore Arctic surf clam fishery operates on the Scotian Shelf and the Grand Banks.
Upon cooking, the mantle and foot of Arctic surf clams turn bright red. They are popular in sushi preparations in Japan, China, and South Korea, where they are known as hokkigai.
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