Clam harvesting is such a unique experience. This Fall, I had a chance to visit Nanaimo to do some clam digging. Located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Nanaimo is well known for its beautiful coastal scenery. Last week I had the chance to indulge in some outdoor activities including clam digging. It’s considered a popular and rewarding experience that allows locals and visitors to harvest their own seafood. There is an abundance of clam species near the coast and the area near Nanaimo is a great place to connect with nature, enjoy local seafood, and learn about sustainable clam harvesting.
Clam harvesting dates back thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The First Nations, including the Snuneymuxw people, have relied on shellfish as a vital part of their diet. Clams and other marine life such as oysters and salmon are harvested with respect to sustainability.
Nanaimo is ideal for clam digging because of its sandy beaches, sheltered bays and intertidal zones where clams thrive. The water is nutrient rich and has various species that make it a prime spot for recreational harvesting. You can also find other shellfish along the beach, including oysters, which may appeal to some tourists and locals.
Types of clams we found:
Manila clams – these species are small and sweet. They are found in the intertidal zone and are recognizable because of its distinctive radiating ridges on the shell.
Butter clams: these are larger than Manila clams and have a robust texture with meaty interior.
The Clam Harvesting process involves waiting for low tide season where the intertidal zone is exposed. Many families had equipment including shovels, rakes, and spatulas to dig into the sandy and muddy substrate where the clams are located.
I was initially surprised that it did not appear as if there were clams in the bay, however after following some locals around, I discovered that they were buried in the mud. Once gathered, they were often muddy and required cleaning. I also looked into some local measures to preserve sustainability in the area, including licensing and daily limits. The recreational harvesters must have a valid tidal waters sports fishing license issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Commercial harvesters require permits and licenses as well. Furthermore, there are also limits to how many clams can be collected in a single day; this may depend on the species and measured by weight. They help protect the area from becoming overharvested.
The locals also informed me that there is Red Tide Monitoring where harmful algae blooms, known as red tide, that produces toxins that are dangerously concentrated in the shellfish.
Overall, this time-honored tradition was such a joy to experience. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or someone interested in sustainable seafood, Nanaimo’s clam harvesting process may be a great visit to learn and be part of a dynamic ecosystem.
