OCEAN QUAHOG

The ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) is an economically important species across much of its range. This should not be confused with the quahog(Mercenaria mercenaria) which is smaller and is the primary clam used in the famous soup called clam chowder in New England in the USA. While the quahog lives in the intertidal zone and can be dug up at low tide, the ocean quahog found in Iceland only lives well below the beach and is fished by dredging. Ocean quahogs are found all around Iceland and the population is estimated at over one million tons. It is therefore a common species and is found down to a depth of about 100 m.