Ipswich Soft Shell Clam Farm
An American TraditionMassachusetts has supported working water fronts for over 300 years. Many generations labored and prospered from our oceans and shorelines. Now it’s time to return something to the sea. Restoration and enhancement of soft shell clams populations transforms unproductive areas into productive flats. |
 |
|
Motif # 1 Rockport, MA |
||
What is Aquaculture?Aquaculture is described as the growing of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions for restoration, enhancement and commercial purposes. Commercial aquaculture on the North Shore began in the late 1990’s by clammers and communities concurrent with the establishment of the Northeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center (NEMAC) at Salem State College. |
 |
|
NEMAC Salem, MA |
||
SustainabilityNEMAC produces millions of small clams annually under environmentally controlled conditions to ensure the highest quality possible. Small clams support restoration and enhancement projects on public flats and commercial production of local shellfish growers. |
 |
|
Newly settled juvenile clams, Rowley River |
||
ControlSoft shell clams are farmed on leased mud flats in Ipswich tidal waters approved and monitored by the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries. Plastic netting buoyed by floats protects clams from predators and promotes water circulation that provides food to the growing clams. |
 |
|
Net covering juvenile clams, Rowley River |
||
ManagementNets are installed in late spring/early summer as young clams are released. Clams and nets are maintained throughout the growing season. By winter nets are removed after clams have grown sufficiently large to avoid predators. |
 |
|
Clam farm, Rowley River |
||
ConsistencySoft shell clams are released onto flats located in the Rowley River. Growers plant young clams at optimal densities for a dependable harvest of select “steamer” size clams throughout the entire year. Clams grow at uniform rates, resulting in reduced size variation and superior quality. |
 |
|
Clam holes visible at low tide, Rowley River |
||
QualityFrom production to consumption, clams are closely monitored and managed in the highest quality environment. Clams removed from the crisp waters of the North Atlantic this morning can be on your dinner table this evening. Locally harvested and guaranteed to be the freshest clam possible. |
 |
|
Environmental BenefitsSoft shell clams remove organisms that consume excess nutrients in our coastal waters. Carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming is also removed from the environment and incorporated into clam shells. Clam farms improve water quality. |
 |