Overview of Mississippi River Clams:
The Mississippi River is home to various species of clams, some of which are edible. Clams found in the Mississippi River can range from the native hardshell razor clams and softshell clams to the invasive species of Asiatic clams. Eating Mississippi River clams for recreational purposes is legal, with certain restrictions, and is an important part of many local cultures. When considering harvesting clams for consumption, it is important for recreational harvesters to be mindful of the state regulations and to practice safe, clean, and sustainable harvesting techniques.
Edible Species of Clams:
Razor clams and softshell clams are two species of clams which are edible and can be safely harvested in the Mississippi River. Razor Clams are typically found on the east and south shores of the Mississippi River, while softshell clams are more commonly found on the western and northern shores.
The razor clam is a medium-sized clam which typically ranges in size from five to ten inches in length. It has an oval-shaped, triangular shell with a sharp edge and yellowish-tan coloration. The clam itself is edible and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
The softshell clam is a small clam which typically ranges in size from two to four inches in length. It has an oval-shaped, smooth shell with a brownish-white coloration. Its flesh is extremely delicate and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Invasive Species of Clams:
The Mississippi River is also home to a number of invasive species of clams, including the Zebra mussel, Corbicula fluminea, and the Asiatic clam. All of these invasive clams have been introduced to the Mississippi River by humans, either through shipping or recreational boating.
The zebra mussel is a small to medium-sized clam which typically ranges in size from one to three inches in length. It has a triangular shell with a thick, yellowish-white coloration and distinctive stripes running along its length. The zebra mussel can reproduce quickly and has been known to cause considerable damage to boats, docks, and other underwater infrastructure.
The Corbicula fluminea is a small clam which typically ranges in size from one to two inches in length. It has an elongated, oval-shaped shell with a black coloration. The Corbicula fluminea has been known to cause considerable damage by covering the riverbed and reducing native clam populations.
The Asiatic clam is a medium-sized clam which typically ranges in size from two to four inches in length. It has an oval-shaped shell with a whitish-brown coloration and is known to form dense beds which can cover large areas of the riverbed.
Harvesting Tips:
When considering harvesting clams for recreational purposes, it is important to be mindful of the state regulations regarding the taking of clams from the river. Each state will have its own set of regulations, so it is important to check with local authorities prior to harvesting. Additionally, it is important to practice safe, clean, and sustainable harvesting techniques. Bring reusable buckets and utensils, and be aware of the best practices for avoiding contamination of the river.
Cooking with Clams:
Once harvested, clams can be prepared in a variety of ways. For example, steamed razor clams are the classic Chesapeake Bay preparation and can be simply served with melted butter. Clams can also be added to several different types of pasta dishes, chowders, or even used in making a unique clam dip.
Nutritional Value of Clams:
Clams are an excellent source of protein, zinc, and selenium. In just 3 ounces of cooked clams, there is about 17 grams of protein, 2.1 milligrams of zinc, and 16.7 micrograms of selenium. Clams also provide other essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Environmental Impact of Harvests:
When harvesting clams from the Mississippi River, it is important to be mindful of the environmental impacts of the process. Clam harvesters should ensure that they are not taking more than the legal limit of clams, and that they are doing so with as little disruption to the river environment as possible. Additionally, an excess of fishing can deplete the local fish population, leading to an overall disruption of the river ecology.
Conclusion:
Eating Mississippi River clams has been an important part of many local cultures for many years. When considering harvesting clams for consumption, it is important for recreational harvesters to be mindful of the state regulations and to practice safe, clean, and sustainable harvesting techniques. Clams provide a source of important nutrients, including protein, zinc, and selenium, while also being very delicious when cooked. By understanding the importance of sustainable harvests and continuing to educate ourselves on the topic, we can all help to ensure that the Mississippi River clams remain a part of our local culture for many years to come.
