How to Farm Raise Clams

Hard-shell clams live in bays and estuaries along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S. Farmed hard-shell clams provide a lean source of protein for consumers. They spend most of their lives inside a two-sided shell, anchored to the bottom of a marine environment, where they use siphon tubes to filter water across their gills to obtain oxygen and food. Farmed clams eat naturally occurring plankton, so they require little input from the farmer as they grow.

Contact the local Department of Agriculture and request information regarding certifications, permits and licenses required for clam farming. Obtain all state required documents.

Research and evaluate possible marine aquaculture locations. Most coastal states use an application process to grant clam farmers leases to use specific bay and estuary locations for aquaculture purposes.

Purchase aquaculture grade polyester mesh nets and prepare them for the clams. Clam farmers often treat the mesh nets with an approved net coating to help protect the clams from predators.

Order hard-shell seed clams. Check with the local aquaculture organization to find a reputable supplier.

Receive and plant the seed clams. Take the clams to the leased submerged land, place them inside the mesh nets, securely close the nets, and submerge them. Anchor them to the estuary or bay floor.

Give the clams time to grow. In warm states, such as Florida, the clams mature in about 8 months. Further north, they may take up to 3 years to reach harvest size.

Pull the mesh nets to harvest mature clams. Store them on ice in an insulated box during transportation.