geoduck

The geoduck, Panopea generosa, is a very large edible saltwater clam native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is among the longest-lived invertebrates, with ages reported up to about 140 years or more in some individuals.

Geoducks have thick, elongated shells and a very long siphon that can extend well beyond the shell, giving them a distinctive appearance. The living animal consists of a large mantle and foot, with the siphon used for feeding and respiration. Geoducks are burrowing organisms that spend most of their lives below the sediment surface.

They inhabit soft subtidal sediments such as sand and mud, where they filter feed on phytoplankton and organic particles suspended in water. They reach reproductive maturity after several years and can produce substantial brood in favorable conditions.

Geoducks are native to the coastal regions of Alaska, western Canada, and the western United States, with commercial bottlenecks and aquaculture focused in Washington and British Columbia. The species supports a valuable fishery; harvest is typically by divers who locate the burrows and extract the clams, sometimes under strict quotas to manage populations. Geoducks are exported largely to Asian markets, where the meat is prized in sashimi preparation and other dishes.

Culinary use emphasizes the siphon meat, which is firm and mildly sweet. It is frequently served raw in sashimi or lightly blanched or steamed in various preparations. The geoduck's ecological role as a burrower makes sustainable management important in regions where it is fished and cultivated.