Hard clams, often referred to as quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria), are a commercially valuable bivalve species native to the Atlantic coast of North America. These clams inhabit sandy and muddy substrates in estuarine and coastal environments, where they are harvested for their sweet, briny flavor and firm texture, making them popular in culinary dishes such as chowders and raw bar offerings. The United States is the leading country in hard clam production, particularly in states like Florida, Virginia, and New Jersey, where both wild harvest and aquaculture operations thrive. In addition to the U.S., other countries such as Canada and China have developed significant hard clam fisheries, with China expanding its aquaculture sector to include hard clams among a variety of bivalve species. The industry is characterized by both traditional wild harvesting methods and modern aquaculture techniques, with sustainable management practices increasingly emphasized to ensure the longevity of clam populations and the health of coastal ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 21 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.