Hard clams are a benthic organism that requires good water quality conditions to survive. Clam densities relatively close to or above the threshold indicate that the water quality and physical conditions are suitable for clam growth and reproduction.
How is it measured?
Hard clam densities were measured at approximately 204 stations each year.
Threshold levels
| Reporting region | Threshold (clams m-2) |
|---|---|
| Assawoman Bay | 1.00 |
| Isle of Wight Bay | 1.19 |
| Sinepuxent Bay | 1.04 |
| Newport Bay | 0.51 |
| Chincoteague Bay | 1.34 |