South Middlesex Times

The Atlantic surfclam, an economically valuable species that is the main ingredient in clam chowder and fried clam strips, has made a remarkable comeback in Virginia waters, signaling a significant reversal of a decline that lasted for over twenty years.

Daphne Munroe, an associate professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University, expressed her surprise and delight at the resurgence of the surfclam population, stating, “It’s unexpected and it’s good news.” Munroe further noted, “They disappeared some time ago – we thought they were gone. But we found there were more clams there than we thought we were going to see. And they are flourishing.”

The unexpected return of surfclams off the coast of Virginia was first brought to Munroe's attention in 2021 when she received a call from a fishing partner informing her of the increased clam activity in the area. Munroe recalled the moment, saying, “He said, ‘Daphne, do you know I’ve got five boats working out of Cape Charles [off Virginia’s Eastern Shore] right now? They’re catching surfclams and we’re putting them on trucks.’” Intrigued by this development, Munroe exclaimed, “I told him: ‘I have to see those clams. That’s crazy.’”

The study conducted by Rutgers scientists, including Munroe, revealed that the surfclam population in Virginia waters is thriving and showing signs of growth and health. Munroe emphasized, “The clams in the southern range are in good shape.” The research also indicated that the environmental conditions may have improved for the surfclams in the south, contributing to their flourishing numbers.

The genetic analysis conducted as part of the study highlighted the presence of a smaller subspecies of surfclams, Spisula solidissima similis, alongside the main population of Spisula solidissima solidissima. Munroe mentioned that further research will explore the possibility of subspecies hybridization, which could be crucial for species adaptation to changing environments.

The unexpected resurgence of surfclams off the coast of Virginia provides valuable insights into the adaptability and recovery of species in response to environmental changes, as well as the dynamics of coastal ecosystems.