The Atlantic Surf Clam: Your Next High-Volume, High-Quality Seafood Ingredient

 What is the Atlantic Surf Clam? A Profile in Scale and Flavor

Known by many names—sea clam, hen clam, or bar clam—the Atlantic Surf Clam is officially recognized as the largest bivalve in the western North Atlantic.

The Species and Its Natural Habitat (Source: NOAA)

As reported by NOAA Fisheries, the Atlantic Surf Clam (Spisula solidissima) is found along the North American coast, stretching from the Gulf of St. Lawrence down to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

• Size and Longevity: Surf clams are massive, growing up to 8.9 inches in length and living for up to 35 years. This substantial size translates directly into a high-yield, economically favorable product for bulk processing.
• Habitat: These filter feeders thrive in the turbulent, high-energy waters of the continental shelf. They prefer to live buried in coarse to fine sand, from the surf zone extending offshore to depths of over 100 meters. Their abundance is particularly high in areas like Georges Bank and off the coasts of New Jersey and the Delmarva Peninsula.
• Ecological Importance: Surf clams are a critical part of the marine ecosystem, filtering plankton and improving water quality.

The robust nature and vast commercial concentrations of this species ensure a sustainable and consistent supply chain, which is key for high-volume wholesale operations.

How the Surf Clam Represents Intershell

The Atlantic Surf Clam is synonymous with Intershell Seafood's legacy, commitment to quality, and operational excellence. Since its founding, Intershell’s journey in the seafood industry has centered on the surf clam, making it our most successful and consistent catch.

Vertical Integration: Control from Dock to Door

Intershell operates as a vertically integrated company, ensuring unbeatable freshness, quality, and traceability for every pound of clam meat:

• Our Fleet: We control our own supply by operating multiple company-owned fishing vessels. This allows us to source "Day-Boat" quality surf clams and be "First Receivers" of the catch from the Gulf of Maine.
• 100% Natural: Our promise is simple: to produce and offer and supply fresh and frozen seafood without the use of chemicals or preservatives. Our clients can be assured that the product they receive is 100% natural, maintaining the pure, unadulterated flavor of the sea.

Intershell is purpose-built to serve the complex needs of wholesale food manufacturers, offering specialized products derived from our high-yield Atlantic Surf Clams. We utilize every part of the clam meat to maximize efficiency for your processing lines.

Specialized Clam Products 

Our in-house processing includes a dedicated four-step washing process to ensure the product is free of sand and grit. We then separate the clam muscles to create, ready-to-use ingredients or products for other industries for non food related purposes:

Processing Services and Certifications

As a wholesale partner, we eliminate steps in your supply chain and provide the regulatory assurance you need for consumer products:

• Private Labeling and Co-Packing: We offer fully customized co-packing and private labeling services. We can shuck, cut, and customize your product to your exact specifications, utilizing our raw surf clam inventory or working with your specific needs.
• Certified for Ready-Made Products: Intershell is an Interstate Certified Shellfish Shipper (MA-8201-SS) as well as HACCP certified. These certifications specifically authorize us to process and create ready-made products, ensuring our operation meets the highest federal and international food safety standards.
• We sell to all major food processors, seafood distributors, and food service accounts across the U.S. and internationally.

If you are a food processor looking for a high-volume, reliable, and premium source of Atlantic Surf Clam meat, contact us to discuss wholesale pricing and customized specifications.