REVIEW OF CERTAIN MAJOR FISHERIES 



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U.S. CLAM FISHERY 1975 



Total U.S. landings of all species of clams in 1975 were 113.4 million pounds worth a record 

 $43.4 million. This was 8.3 million pounds less, but $2.0 million more than in 1974, the record year for 

 quantity. The reason for the decline in harvest was the 10 percent or 9 million pounds decline in landings of 

 surf clams. 



Surf clams, landed mainly in Virginia and New Jersey, accounted for 77 percent of the U.S. 

 production; hard clams, 13 percent; and soft clams, 8 percent. The remainder consisted of cockle, geoduck, 

 ocean quahog, razor, and mixed clams. 



The Middle Atlantic States were the major producers of clams with 47 percent of the catch, 

 followed by the Chesapeake States with 41 percent; the New England States with 10 percent; and the South 

 Atlantic and Pacific Coast States with the remaining 2 percent. 



Dredges accounted for 81 percent of the U.S. landings of all species, followed by hoes, 7 

 percent; rakes, 5 percent; and tongs, 4 percent. The rest were taken by otter trawls, midwater trawls, gill 

 nets, shovels, picks, diving outfits, and by hand. 



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