Hard Clam Management Information

Hard Clam Annual Update

A stock assessment cannot be conducted due to limited data; therefore, population size and the rate of removals from the population are unknown. Harvest fluctuates, often in response to changes in demand, improved harvesting methods, and increases in polluted shellfish area closures. Amendment 3 to the Hard Clam Fishery Management Plan was approved in May 2025, which includes a 3-year phase out of mechanical clam harvest on public bottom to be completed in June of 2028. For more information, contact Chloe Dorin at Chloe.Dorin@deq.nc.gov.