ʔoɬqoʔay | Clam Beach
ayʔaǰuθɛm: ʔoɬqoʔay
Clam Beach
Where do clams live, and what is their habitat like?
Clams live beneath the surface of sandy or muddy shores along the coast, especially in tidal flats, estuaries, and bays where the saltwater mixes with freshwater. In the Pacific Northwest, these shellfish are commonly found in intertidal zones—the areas that are covered by water at high tide and exposed during low tide. Clams bury themselves a few inches to a foot below the surface, using a strong, muscular foot to dig into the sediment. They thrive in areas with clean, oxygen-rich water and plenty of plankton, which they filter from the water to feed. These quiet, hidden creatures play an important role in the coastal ecosystem, helping to keep the water clean and supporting traditional food systems for many communities who have sustainably harvested them for generations.
Clams are well adapted to life beneath the sand and mud, where they stay protected from predators and changing tides. They breathe and feed through two siphons that reach up to the surface—one draws in seawater, and the other expels it after filtering out plankton and tiny organic particles. Some species, like butter clams, littleneck clams, and horse clams, are common along the Pacific Northwest coast. Their shells grow over time as they filter nutrients from the water, and some can live for several decades if left undisturbed. Clam beds are often passed down through generations in Indigenous communities, with traditional knowledge guiding when and how to harvest in a way that honours the land and ensures the clams return year after year.
What do clams eat, and how do they find food?
Clams are filter feeders, meaning they get their food by filtering tiny particles from the water. They mostly eat plankton—microscopic plants and animals—as well as other bits of organic matter suspended in seawater. Clams don’t need to move around to find food. Instead, they use their siphons (tube-like structures) to draw in water from above the sand or mud where they’re buried. As water flows through their gills, tiny hairs called cilia help trap food particles, which are then transported to the clam’s mouth.
This feeding process not only nourishes the clam but also helps clean the surrounding water, making them important contributors to healthy marine ecosystems. Because they rely on clean, nutrient-rich water, clam populations are often indicators of environmental health in coastal areas.
What are some surprising or little-known facts about clams?
Some clams can live for over 100 years!
The ocean quahog, a type of clam found in colder waters, can live to be more than 500 years old. Even common butter clams on the West Coast can live several decades.
They can "dig" surprisingly fast!
Clams use a strong, muscular foot to dig down into sand or mud quickly—some species can bury themselves in seconds to avoid predators or changing tides.
They help clean the ocean!
By filtering gallons of water each day, clams remove plankton, excess nutrients, and particles, which helps maintain water clarity and quality in coastal habitats.
