Top Atlantic Surf Clam Fishing Countries

The Atlantic surf clam (Spisula solidissima) is a large, burrowing bivalve mollusk native to the sandy coastal waters of the western North Atlantic, particularly along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada. Renowned for its sweet, tender meat, the surf clam is a staple in the production of clam strips, chowders, and sushi. The United States is by far the leading country in harvesting Atlantic surf clams, with the majority of landings coming from the Mid-Atlantic region, especially New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. Canada also maintains a smaller but significant fishery, primarily in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. These fisheries are highly regulated, utilizing specialized hydraulic dredges and operating under strict quotas and management plans to ensure sustainability and protect the resource from overexploitation.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.