Clam Habitat

Manila clams prefer to grow on higher tidal ground than most other clam species.  Natural set preference in Quilcene Bay is in the 4’ to 6’+ ground areas.  There are less predators in those parts of the beach and the survival rate is higher.  The clams do take longer to grow on higher tide ground because they don’t get as much food when farther from the water.

 
Manila clams prefer a sandy gravel mix but we have found large concentrations in black mud at times.  Manilas love to grow under Pacific oysters; they find protection from predators there.  Manilas are a strong, surviving species and have taken the place of our native Littleneck Clams as a market favorite for several reasons. Longer shelf life, consistency in size and when cooked, 98% of all the clams open quickly.