. Commercial fisheries review. Fisheries; Fish trade. ARTICLES CLAM SURVEY OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, TO CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA By Phillip S, Parker* During the summer of 1964 and the fall and winter of 1965, BCF made a clam survey off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia (Survey Area III). The purpose was to gather information on abun- dance, distribution, and size of surf clam (Spisula solidissima) and other species found with a potential for commercial use. Samples were taken at 1-mile intervals with a hydraulic jet dredge; 894 stations were surveyed. Catches of i bushel or more per minute were m
. Commercial fisheries review. Fisheries; Fish trade. ARTICLES CLAM SURVEY OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND, TO CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA By Phillip S, Parker* During the summer of 1964 and the fall and winter of 1965, BCF made a clam survey off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia (Survey Area III). The purpose was to gather information on abun- dance, distribution, and size of surf clam (Spisula solidissima) and other species found with a potential for commercial use. Samples were taken at 1-mile intervals with a hydraulic jet dredge; 894 stations were surveyed. Catches of i bushel or more per minute were made at 55 survey sites. Considerable variation in abun- dance, distribution, and size of surf clams occurred; these varia- tions are related to bottom type and water depth. Limited beds of ocean quahogs (Arctica islandica) were found in some sections. To maintain a steady production at pres- ent levels, the surf clam resource off the U. S. east coast is being subjected to in- creasing fishing pressure. Because of con- cern for future production, the fishery is now being investigated by several agencies: (1) BCF, (2) various state conservation de- partments, and (3) members of the surf clam industry. To determine the extent of the re- source as a basis for future use, SCPA (Sea Clam Packers Association, an organization of members of the surf clam industry), work- ing through the Oyster Institute of North America, initiated and supported a survey for sea clams that was done by BCF off New Jersey and Maryland coasts during summer 1963 (Parker, 1966). The first survey covered only a small part of the area of interest, so SCPA and BCF agreed in fall 1963 to continue the work in the summer of 1964. SCPA provided funds to outfit BCF's research vessel "Rorqual" (fig. l)for surf clamming, and BCF supplied the vessel, scientific personnel, andoperat- ingfunds. From June 1-September 31,1964, about half the proposed area had been sur- In spring 1964, Congress authorized f
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