Status of Oregon Bay Clam Fisheries, Stock Assessment, and Research, Information Reports 2014-09

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Ainsworth, Justin C., Anthony F. D'Andrea, Mitch Vance, Scott D. Groth, and Elizabeth A. Perotti

Publish Date: 2014

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: cedric.x.cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: Clams can be found in a variety of habitats, but it is the most accessible species that earn the attention of clam diggers. In Oregon, the largest clam fisheries are for razor clams (Silqua patula) along the open coast, and for a group of clams collectively known as bay clams found, as the name implies, within the state’s many bays and estuaries. Bay clams (cockles (Clinocardium nuttallii), butter clams (Saxidomus gigantea), gaper clams (Tresus capax and T. nuttallii), and native littleneck clams (Leukoma staminea)), have long been the target of recreational and commercial harvest in Oregon. While Hunter (2008) described the fishery, research, and management of razor clams in Oregon, the harvest, stock assessment, habitat studies, and other research on bay clams are the focus of this report. Management of Oregon’s bay clam resource and habitat is the responsibility of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Shellfish Program (ODFW 2008). Starting in 2008, with funds generated by the implementation of a recreational shellfish license in 2004, the ODFW Shellfish Program began several projects to monitor bay clam fisheries, assess their population and distribution, inventory habitats, and conduct relevant research to assist in bay clam management needs. The results of these projects, through 2012, are reported here.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content: 1976-2012

Geographic Extent: Oregon

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

Data Quality Information

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Data Information

No data information was supplied.

Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown