Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Pacific Northwest). Pacific Geoduck Clam
Abstract
The geoduck clam (Panope abrupta Conrad) is one of the largest burrowing clams in the world and ranges along the west coast of North American from Alaska to Baja California and along coastal Japan. It lives at depths extending from the lower intertidal zone to 110 m and is very abundant in Puget Sound, Washington, and British Columbia, where it supports important commercial fisheries. Geoduck clams are commercially fished by divers, who wash them from the substrate with hand-operated water jets. Significant portions of the catch are exported to Japan. Geoduck clams are long-lived, reaching ages of at least 146 years. Growth is rapid, but recruitment rates are low. Because of their high value, large size, and rapid early growth but low recruitment rates, they are being artificially stocked in Washington waters. Keywords: Taxonomy, Tange, Morphology, Life stages, Spawning cycle, Fisheries, Population dynamics, Growth rate, Predators, Environmental requirements, Pollution, Food habits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA225230
Entities
People
- Bruce Pease
- C. L. Goodwin