Intertidal clam survey of the north coast area of British Columbia - 1990 / by N. Bourne and G. Cawdell.: Fs97-6/1864E-PDF

"Results of a 1990 survey to assess populations of commercially important intertidal clams on selected beaches in the north coast area of British Columbia and to determine the northward distribution of manila clams, Tapes philippinarum, are presented. Butter clams, Saxidomus giganteus, were widely distributed on beaches throughout the sampling area. Densities as high as 440 butter clams m⁻² were observed. In general there was a wide distribution of size and age classes that indicated recruitment has been consistent in recent years. Littleneck clams, Protothaca staminea, were the most common clam sampled during the survey, densities as high as 504 littleneck clams m⁻² were observed. There was a wide distribution of size and age classes in most areas indicating consistent recruitment. Manila clams were found as far north as Hird Point in Mathieson Channel, latitude 52° 34' N. The Seaforth Channel-Mathieson Channel area appears to be a biological barrier preventing further northward dispersal of this species in British Columbia. This is probably due to cold water temperatures that prevent successful breeding. Manila clams were abundant on many beaches in the Bella Bella area (DFO statistical area 7), densities as high as 350 manila clams m⁻² were recorded. There was a preponderance of older, larger clams on many beaches. Size and age frequency distribution showed that recruitment may be sporadic in some areas. The potential for commercial exploitation of these three species in north coast area is discussed along with suggestions for future studies"--Abstract, page x.

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