The Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) is a long, slender bivalve mollusk found along the sandy beaches of the North Pacific, renowned for its delicate flavor and prized in both commercial and recreational fisheries. This species thrives in the intertidal zones from California up through Alaska in the United States, and along the Pacific coasts of Canada and Russia. The United States, particularly the states of Washington and Alaska, leads in the harvest of Pacific razor clams, supporting vibrant local economies and cultural traditions centered around clam digging. Canada, especially British Columbia, also maintains a smaller but significant fishery, while Russia’s Far East region harvests razor clams primarily for domestic consumption. These fisheries are closely managed to ensure sustainability, with seasonal closures and catch limits to protect wild stocks, reflecting the species' importance to coastal communities and the broader seafood industry.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | United States of America | 378 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.