History and Development of Surf Clam Harvesting Gear

Book excerpt: The development of harvesting gear for [Atlantic] surf clams, Spisula solidissima, along the eastern coast of the United States is reviewed from early times up to the present. Early clamming was done by hand using rakes or tongs, while today the industry depends upon large, efficient dredges operating from stable vessels. Little gear development took place prior to World War II; however, since that time, the industry has made rapid strides in the development of harvesting gear. Today this trend is still very much i evidence, with gear constantly being modified for adaption to newer vessel types. Most gear development work has been the result of the surf clam industry itself. However, the Federal Government, in cooperation with the industry, has developed several pieces of equipment for adaptation to clamming gear.