Shellfish of Hood Canal: A Diverse Aquatic Bounty

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Washington’s Hood Canal is a treasure trove of marine life, particularly known for its rich variety of shellfish. This article delves into the diverse species that call these waters home, offering a glimpse into the world beneath the waves.

Manila Littleneck Clam A transplant that’s made itself at home, the Manila Littleneck clam is small but mighty, growing up to 2.5 inches. Its oblong shape and concentric rings with radiating line ridges make it a distinctive find. These clams prefer gravel, mud, and sand habitats above the half-tide level¹.

Native Littleneck Clam The Native Littleneck clam boasts a more rounded shape and can grow larger than its Manila counterpart, reaching up to 3.5 inches. With a preference for gravel and mud, these clams are typically found at mid-tide levels and sometimes deeper, up to 60 feet¹.

Butter Clam The Butter clam can grow up to 5 inches and has a heavy, oval to square shell. It’s known for its longevity in retaining marine biotoxins, which requires caution when harvesting. These clams inhabit sand, gravel, and cobble areas in the lower intertidal or shallow subtidal zones¹.

Varnish Clam The Varnish clam, with its shiny brown coating and purple interior, is a sight to behold. It grows up to 3 inches and is often found near freshwater inputs, making it more susceptible to runoff pollution. They are also known for high toxin levels and are found in the upper third of the intertidal zone¹.

Cockle Clam The Cockle clam is easily recognizable by its round, somewhat triangular shape and prominent radiating ridges. These clams can reach up to 5 inches and are found in sand and mud, from the intertidal zone down to 50-60 feet¹.

Macoma Clam The Macoma clam is a delicate species with a wafer-thin, chalky-white shell. It prefers sand and mud habitats in the middle intertidal zone and can grow up to 4 inches¹.

Horse Clam The largest of the bunch, the Horse clam can grow up to 8 inches. Its chalky-white shell with yellow/brown patches and a siphon that can’t fully retract are its defining features. These clams are found in sand, mud, and gravel areas in the lower intertidal zone¹.

Eastern Softshell Clam The Eastern Softshell clam has brittle, thin shells and grows up to 6 inches. It’s typically found near river mouths with low salinity and inhabits sand and mud areas in the upper half-tide level¹.

Olympia Oyster The Olympia oyster is a native species and the only oyster indigenous to the West Coast. It’s smaller than the introduced Pacific oyster but is a vital part of the ecosystem².

Blue Mussel The Blue mussel is another native species that thrives in the cool waters of Hood Canal. It’s a filter feeder that plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality².

Geoduck The Geoduck is a Pacific Northwest icon, known for its large size and long siphon. These clams can live for decades and are a prized delicacy².

Pacific Oyster The Pacific oyster is a naturalized bivalve that has adapted well to the local conditions. It’s larger than the Olympia oyster and is a popular choice for aquaculture².

Hood Canal’s shellfish are not only a vital part of the marine ecosystem but also a beloved feature of the region’s culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a recreational harvester, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, the shellfish of Hood Canal offer a fascinating and flavorful adventure.

Learn more

1 doh.wa.gov 2 ourhoodcanal.org 3 wdfw.wa.gov 4 thurstontalk.com 5 explorehoodcanal.com