Improvements Seen in Hard Clams

Hard clam populations have generally been on the rise since the 2008 mechanical harvesting ban. 

Assawoman, Newport and Chincoteague Bays are still substantially below historic densities while Isle of Wight and Sinepuxent Bays are approaching historic benchmarks. Even the St. Martin River had an increase in density near the mouth of the river. Despite slight increases recently, the Chincoteague Bay population continues to struggle (<20% of goal) due to poor recruitment.