Top Northern Quahog Hard Clam Fishing Countries

The Northern Quahog, also known as the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), is a bivalve mollusk native to the Atlantic coast of North America, particularly abundant from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada to Florida in the United States. This species is prized for its firm texture and sweet flavor, making it a staple in both commercial and recreational shellfishing industries. The United States is by far the leading country in Northern Quahog harvests, with major production centered in states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where both wild harvesting and aquaculture are well established. Canada also contributes to the fishery, particularly in the Atlantic provinces, though at a smaller scale compared to the U.S. The industry supports thousands of jobs and is vital to coastal economies, with strict management and conservation measures in place to ensure sustainability and prevent overharvesting.

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