The Surf Clams are harvested using our environmentally friendly “winnowing clam rake” and sorted by species on board the harvester. The shell fish are then held submersed in sea water in bulk bins on the deck of the vessel with frequent exchanges of aerated water to allow them to continue natural respiration. At the conclusion of harvesting we drain the water and the fish remain in the bulk bins in this “dry” state until they arrive at the wet store facility. The Clams are placed in a single layer on perforated trays and stacked in specially designed tanks in a manner that allows uniform flow of water across them. They remain in this oxygen enhanced seawater that is drawn in from the open sea through a vast infiltration gallery, used once and returned to sea. Both flesh and water are tested regularly for any contamination from either bacterial and bio toxin causes. Personally I would boast the cleanest shell fish in the country! At this stage we are the only facility of its kind in NZ.

This process allows them to purge themselves of any sand or grit the may have in them. The fish remain in this environment with regular cleaning and care until dispatched live into both the local and international market or to the local processor. All water used in this process is USFDA approved and regularly monitored to maintain the highest possible quality. Prior to export the water is cooled to below 10 degrees Celsius as required by NZFSA. The clams are packed into Polystyrene boxes to regulate temperature and freighted dry to the end user.

Many customers re-swim these fish in their own aquariums, particularly our Asian restaurant customers.

Our Surf Clams are complex and somewhat delicate critters, the shells are like fine porcelain, strong but fragile. These little critters are designed to survive an incredibly volatile environment, and although sub-tidal dwellers, they can accommodate periods of being out of the water. They appear to be hemophiliacs, however are able to re-grow their siphons after having them nipped off by a passing crab.