The Abundance and Distribution of Hard Clams in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts, 1958

A survey was made during the summer of 1958 to assess the abundance of hard clams, Venus (Mercenaria) mercenaria, in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts. A jet (hydraulic) dredge was used as the principal sampling gear. Data from 214 sample stations compared with other Atlantic coast areas indicated that the abundance of hard clams in Nantucket Sound was extremely low. The survey revealed no new general areas of commercial abundance. No clams less than 60 millimeters (2 3/8 inches) were caught. Because of hydrographic conditions unfavorable for spawning and setting and because there are few small clams to augment the present stocks, the future of this fishery is uncertain.