Ocean Quahog
Arctica islandica
Also known as Clam, Quahog, Black clam, Mahogany quahog
Culinary Profile
A somewhat stronger taste than other clams.
Firmer than other clams.
Quahogs provide low-fat, high-quality protein and are an excellent source of selenium, iron, and vitamin B12.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
Ocean quahogs are bivalve mollusks—they have two hinged shells that enclose their body. Shells are thick and oval-shaped. Outside is a dull gray with growth rings that can be used to determine its age. Interior is white with a purple border. Most quahogs in U.S. waters are 2.8 to 4.3 inches in shell length.
Biology
Ocean quahogs spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where the eggs are fertilized. Larvae drift with the currents for at least 30 days until they develop into juveniles and settle to the bottom. Ocean quahogs spawn once a year, either in the summer or fall. The spawning season is sometimes extended over a number of months as quahogs release eggs and sperm a little at a time.
Where They Live
Range Ocean quahogs are found in the western Atlantic as far south as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Habitat Ocean quahogs live in water between 25 and 1,300 feet deep. In the northern part of their range, they’re found in shallower water closer to shore. The U.S.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Year-round. Sold processed (minced, chopped, or cut into strips) or in chowders, bisques, and sauces. Smaller ocean quahogs from Maine waters are marketed as “mahogany clams” and are sold on the half-shell market or for steaming.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from Maine to Virginia.
Commercial Fishery & Harvest
In 2023, the ocean quahog fishery produced 12.4 million pounds of meats, valued at $8.3 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . Commercial landings in 2024 are confidential due to the limited number of participants. Commercial fishermen harvest ocean quahogs with hydraulic clam dredges, which use jets of water to dislodge ocean quahogs from the sandy ocean floor. A smaller “dry” dredge (without hydraulic jets) is used in Maine waters. Ocean quahogs burrow into sandy bottoms on the continental shelf, an environment that is thought to recover quickly after a hydraulic clam dredge passes over it. The bars on commercial clam dredges are spaced several inches apart so they do not collect anything but the targeted quahogs.
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 106 Species
Where Ocean Quahog ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 | 11.28 µg | 5 / 106 | 95% |
| Iron | 1.62 mg | 11 / 111 | 90% |
| Choline | 65 mg | 12 / 65 | 82% |
| Zinc | 0.51 mg | 48 / 111 | 57% |
| Phosphorus | 198 mg | 70 / 111 | 37% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 43 mg | 82 / 104 | 21% |
| Selenium | 30.6 µg | 90 / 106 | 15% |
| Protein | 14.67 g | 91 / 111 | 18% |
| Omega-3 DHA | 64 mg | 92 / 104 | 12% |
Other New England/Mid-Atlantic Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Ocean Quahog.
Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus obesus
Bigeye tuna has a mild, meaty flavor, with a higher fat content than yellowfintuna. Sashimi lovers prefer it.
Atlantic Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
Sweet, meaty taste.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod has a mild clean flavor. It is sweeter than Pacific cod.
Atlantic Common Thresher Shark
Alopias vulpinus
Mild flavor.
Atlantic Herring
Clupea harengus
Small fresh herring have a more delicate flavor, while larger herring have a fuller, oilier flavor.
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Mackerel has a rich, pronounced flavor. For a milder flavor, cut out the outer bands of dark meat along the midline.
Atlantic Mahi Mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi mahi has a sweet, mild flavor. For a milder flavor, trim away darker portions of the meat.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Reported to be quite tasty.
Atlantic Skipjack Tuna
Katsuwonus pelamis
Skipjack tuna has the most pronounced taste of all of the tropical tunas.
Atlantic Spiny Dogfish
Squalus acanthias
Mild and sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much selenium does Ocean Quahog provide?
A 100 g raw serving of Ocean Quahog carries 30.6 µg of selenium, about 56% of the 55 µg daily value for adults.
How much Ocean Quahog is caught commercially?
In 2023, the ocean quahog fishery produced 12.4 million pounds of meats, valued at $8.3 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . Commercial landings in 2024 are confidential due to the limited number of participants. Commercial fishermen harvest ocean quahogs with hydraulic clam dredges, which use jets of water to dislodge ocean quahogs from the sandy ocean floor.
Who manages the Ocean Quahog fishery?
NOAA Fisheries, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council , and state resource management agencies manage the ocean quahog fishery. Managed under the Surfclam-Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan : Fishermen must have a permit for commercial harvest ocean quahogs.
How much choline does Ocean Quahog contain?
A 100 g raw serving of Ocean Quahog supplies 65 mg of choline, around 12% of the 550 mg daily value — notable for prenatal and liver-health contexts.
What else is Ocean Quahog called?
Ocean Quahog is also marketed as Clam, Quahog, Black clam, Mahogany quahog.
Sustainability Story
Stock Structure
According to the 2020 stock assessment the ocean quahog stock is not overfished and is not subject to overfishing. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART . Ocean quahogs are relatively unproductive and can only support low levels of fishing. Population levels are declining despite relatively low fishing rates, but remain above target levels.
Population
Above target population level.
Fishing Rate
At recommended level.
Habitat Impacts
Fishing gear used to harvest quahogs has minimal impacts on habitat.
Bycatch
Fishing gear used to harvest quahogs is designed to minimize bycatch.
Management
NOAA Fisheries, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council , and state resource management agencies manage the ocean quahog fishery. Managed under the Surfclam-Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan : Fishermen must have a permit for commercial harvest ocean quahogs.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 22 values
Energy
Macronutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.