| Summary: | One of the premier ITQ (individual transferrable quota) fisheries in the United States, the ocean quahog and Atlantic surf clam fishery has held much significance in Mid-Atlantic waters. Each species of marine bivalve has its own distinct life history and economic implications, though both are currently facing population declines and decreased landings success. Historic trends in stock size and catch rates raise concern for the future success of this fishery, leading to the continued development of the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Councils Atlantic Surf-Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan (MAFMC, 1977). A complete biological, ecological and socio-economic assessment is key to understanding the functions of this fishery and the development of effective management practices.
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