Commercial Clam Harvesting: Techniques, Pay and Season

How are clams commercially harvested?
Hard clams can be harvested by lifting the mesh bags they were grown in in off the bottom, or they can be raked out of the sediment with tuned bull rakes (when wet harvesting) or hand scratching rakes (when dry harvesting).

Clam harvesting is a traditional practice that has been carried out for many years around the world. Clams are a widespread delicacy that are eaten by people all around the world. Commercial clam harvesting has gained popularity as the market for clams has grown. So, how are clams gathered for commerce?

Hand raking, hydraulic dredging, and mechanical harvesting are just a few of the methods used in commercial clam harvesting. The oldest technique, hand raking, involves sifting among clams on the seafloor using a rake. Although labor- and time-intensive, this approach is the most environmentally beneficial.

A suction hose is used in the more recent technique of hydraulic dredging to draw clams from the seafloor. This approach is quicker and more effective than hand raking, but it also causes greater environmental harm. When clams are harvested mechanically, they are excavated from the seafloor using large machinery like tractors or harvesters. Although this approach is the most effective, it also causes the most environmental harm.

Depending on the area and the kind of clam being collected, commercial clammers receive varying wages. Commercial clammers in the US can expect to make between $10 and $30 per hour, depending on their experience and the kind of clams they are gathering. However, because of variables including the state of the weather, consumer demand, and the supply of clams, the pay can be very unpredictable.

Fish and other seafood are harvested for commercial purposes, which is referred to as commercial fishing. This applies to all seafood, including clams as well as shrimp, lobster, and oysters. A key industry that supports the economies of many nations is commercial fishing.

Commercial clamming is often carried out in the warmer months when the clams are more active and the water temperature is greater. The greatest times to look for clams in the United States are often from May through September. The locale and the kind of clam being harvested can, however, affect this.

In conclusion, commercial clam harvesting is an important industry that offers many people throughout the world a source of job as well as sustenance. It can be a difficult and unexpected job, but it can also be a rewarding one that calls for persistence, competence, and a thorough grasp of the surroundings.

FAQ
Correspondingly, how much do clams sell for?

The subject of how much clams sell for is not specifically addressed in the article “Commercial Clam Harvesting: Techniques, Pay, and Season”. Clam prices might change depending on the region, the kind of clam, and consumer demand. It is advised to inquire about current pricing with nearby seafood markets or distributors.