Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.

There are eight species of surf clams in the QMS: ringed dosinia, silky dosinia, frilled venus shells, triangle shells, trough and large trough shells and two types of tutatua. 

Clams are a delicacy, favoured for their texture and flavour. Put them into a soup/chowder, steam, fry, bake or barbeque them.

New Zealand operates a mandatory shellfish quality assurance programme for all bivalve shellfish grown and harvested in areas for human consumption - shellfish caught outside this programme can only be sold for bait. The programme, managed by the NZ Food & Safety Authority in cooperation with the District Health Board Public Health Units and the shellfish industry, involves surveying water catchment area for pollution, sampling water and shellfish microbiologically over at least 12 months and biotoxin testing, among other measures.

Clams are a good source of Iodine, Iron, Vitamin B12 and Selenium; and a source of Riboflavin (vitamin B2), VitaminA, Niacin (vitamin B3) and Phosphorus.

Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.