Clam farming – professions of the shellfish farming industry #4

The opening of the Shellfish and Marine Culture Show of Vannes is tomorrow, discover an overview of the many professions in the shellfish farming industry

On our last day, we will be looking at clam farming.

So what is clam farming? Let’s find out. Clams are shellfishes, similar to cockles. They can be found in sand or even in mud sometimes. They like bottoms with lots of stones.

Clam farming is fairly recent, and is estimated to have existed for about half a century. But before farming began, there were many studies on this mollusc to find out about its life cycle.

The necessary steps for clam farming adopted by the clam farming structures:

• Just like with cockle farming, it all starts with the purchase of a spat. The latter is produced in its natural environment;
• The spat is then immersed in small ponds of sea water;
• 3 months later, the clams are washed and sorted. Afterwards, seeding begins on the foreshore. They are covered with a net to protect them from predators.

A foreshore(also known as a “batture”) is an area of coastline between the limits of the highest and lowest tides.

• Before harvesting, it is necessary to wait 18 months to 2 years. Once the protective net is removed, the clams are collected manually or mechanically.

In the Thau pond in the Hérault, clam fishing is reserved for professionals. This is an area that is heavily guarded by the coast guard forces.

Clams are very popular in cooking. They are an excellent source of protein and iron.

A clam has about four times more iron than in a piece of beef!

Tomorrow we will be at the Shellfish and Marine Culture Show of Vannes at stand number 14. Come discover our products!