Clam Party Allowed: Fishermen Mix Surfclams and Quahogs Freely
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Fishermen who catch surfclams and ocean quahogs can now bring both on the same trip thanks to Amendment 21. To keep things fair and clear, new rules require better tracking and reporting of these mixed catches. Comments on this change are open until February 27, 2026, so get your thoughts in soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Allowed to Land Two Clam Species Together
Amendment 21 would let commercial vessels land both surfclams and ocean quahogs on the same fishing trip. This change responds to shifting clam distributions and would allow the industry to bring mixed catches ashore instead of being limited by the old single-species landing rule.
New Monitoring and 5% Observer Coverage Target
Amendment 21 would create a new monitoring program including additional at-sea observer coverage with an initial target of 5 percent of all clam dredge fishing trips. The program includes monitoring both at sea and at dealers to ensure accurate accounting of mixed catches.
Industry-Paid Cost Recovery Fee (3% Cap)
The additional monitoring required by Amendment 21 would be funded by the industry through cost recovery. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, any fee to recover these costs cannot exceed three percent of the ex-vessel value of the fish harvested under the ITQ program.
Post-Landing Sorting at Dealer Facilities
Under Amendment 21, the landed mixed catch would be sorted after it arrives at the dealer's processing facility rather than fully sorted on the vessel. Dealers and processors will therefore have to receive and sort mixed surfclam and ocean quahog deliveries at their facilities.
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