Shellfish species of surf clams

The surf clam or ‘skimmer’ is large, reaching a length of 8 in, (20.3 cm). It is found just below the surface of sandy bottoms in waters 30 to 100 ft (9 to 30 m) deep off Atlantic Coast states from Massachusetts to including Virginia.

Areas of coarse grain size (i.e pebbles or cobbles) are virtually devoid of surf clams. Atlantic surf clams are planktivorous filter feeders that pump water through their siphons over the gills to trap foods.

Many predators, including snails, shrimps, crabs, and fish –haddock and cod, feed on surf clams.

Maximum age exceeds 30 years; surf clams of age 15-20 years are common in many areas. Surf clams are harvested when they reach 4 inch (10 cm) which occurs at about 5 years of age.

Currently, commercial concentrations are primarily found off of the New Jersey shore, the Delmarva Peninsula, and on Georges Bank.

Most of harvesting this species is done off New Jersey with water-jet dredges having V-shaped scoop. Aboard the boats, the clams are placed in baskets or jute bags and brought to the processing plants without refrigeration.
Shellfish species of surf clams

King Crab

King Crab
This species is not a true crab but is similar to crabs in structure and habits. It is much larger than other crabs, attaining a spread of about 5 ft (1.5m) and a weight of about 24lb (10.9kg).

King crabs are caught off central Alaska to the Aleutian Islands and off the islands of northern Japan. They are harvested with large rectangular pots. Aboard boats, the crabs are held in the live state in wells of circulating seawater.

King crab meat is either canned or frozen. In canning, the whole crab is cooked in boiling water, after which the meat is squeezed out between rubber rollers. The meat is then washed, packed in cans in a weak brine, and the cans are sealed, heat processed, cooled and stored. The meat may be frozen in large block for the restaurant trade. The legs and claws are also frozen for retail outlets and restaurant.

It properly packaged and frozen to a temperature of 0 degree F or below and held at this temperature. King crab meat has a high quality storage life of at least 12 months. Lower storage temperatures provide for an even longer storage life.
King Crab