THE 



CATCH 



In the winter months, clams burrow deeper into 

 the sediments — about two to three inches down. 

 During warmer weather, they stay closer to the surface. 



"You'll hear a solid ping when you bump up 

 against a clam," Bahen says. 



When you hear the ping, flip or dig up your prize. 



Clams can be taken any time of year along the 

 North Carolina coast, and mud flats, sand bars and 

 marshes are prime clamming grounds. Make sure you 

 are on public property open to shellfishing and not in a 

 commercial clam garden. These are usually marked, so 

 heed the signs. 



Take care not to clam in waters closed because of 

 pollution. When clams filter water, they can take in 

 disease-causing organisms and other contaminants. As 

 a result, some of the state's waters may be temporarily 

 or permanently closed to shellfish harvest. 



If in doubt about your chosen clamming site, 

 check with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries about 

 which waters are open to recreational shellfishing. Call 

 the main office in Morehead City at 919/726-7021 or 

 800/682-2632. 



The maximum harvest is 100 clams per day and no 

 more than 200 clams per vessel if you take a boat to 

 your clamming spot. The clams you take home should 

 be at least 1 inch thick. Clams under that limit must be 

 returned to the sediment. Some bait and tackle shops 

 sell inexpensive gauges for measuring clams. 



If you turn over small oysters, leave them to settle 

 back into the mud. 



To transport your harvest, place the clams in a 5- 

 gallon plastic bucket with 1-inch holes drilled around 

 the bottom 6 inches. The bucket will act as a colander 

 and allow you to wash the clams before you head 

 home. □ 



Exposed clam 



Keyhole, surrounded by clam's waste 



Keyhole Clamming 



To help folks take advantage of North Carolina's fertile clamming grounds, Sea Grant is preparing a how- 

 to publication that will teach beginners to find and dig their own clams. Using concisely written text and clear 

 illustrations, Keyhole Clamming, written by Sea Grant Extension Specialist Wayne Wescott, describes how to find 

 keyholes and the flavorful clams that lie beneath them. The brochure will be available in early 1998. □ 



For more information about keyhole clamming, 

 contact Wayne Wescott in Manteo at 919/473-3937 or Jim Bahen in Wilmington at 910/256-2083, ext. 212. 



COASTWATCH 31 



