Commercial Fishing

In the USA Mid-Atlantic region, shellfish farming is dominated by clam and oyster production. A variety of shellfish husbandry techniques are used, depending on local conditions.

Hard Clam Aquaculture

Hard clams (quahogs) are grown throughout the region in a variety of environments. Most operations involve planting hatchery stock and providing some form of protection during the growth stage. Hard clams typically reach market sizes from 18 months - 3 years, depending on the area and size desired. The vast majority of clams grown in the Mid-Atlantic region are exported to northern markets although some small producers market clams locally.

Several factors can threaten successful harvests of farm raised clams, including diseases, weather damage and predation. Predators of hard clams include gulls, crabs, whelks, moon snails, rays, sharks and other sea life.

 

Oyster Aquaculture

Mid-Atlantic oyster farmers have worked hard to achieve success with raising high quality oysters in large quantities.

The process begins with triploid oyster stock which is only about 2mm in length. Shellfish growers have experimented with a variety of strains, but the most common choice is usually some form of triploid stock. Seed stock is usually started in early Spring, to avoid predation from water borne organisms. The oysters are nurtured in tanks until they are large enough to survive in cages.

The next stage begins as the young oysters are housed in mesh bags or cages which protect them from blue crabs, birds and other predators. Depending on the operation, oysters are sometimes transferred into a larger container where they are allowed to grow until reaching market size.

A wide range of containers are used by Mid-Atlantic oyster aquaculture operations. Some operations ultize on-bottom cages, in a variety of configurations. Other producers use floating versions, or suspended bags during the growth stage. Each type of container has its advantages and disadvantages.

At the harvest stage, oysters are brought to a facility, sorted, washed and packed for shipment. Undersize oysters are returned to grow further. Surplus shell is usually retained and used in operations or sold as a separate product.