Geoduck (pronounced “gooey-duck”) are large clams found along the West Coast of the United States from Alaska to Baja California. There is both wild harvest and a growing geoduck aquaculture industry, particularly in Washington State. The majority of Washington's geoduck farming takes place in southern Puget Sound.

Also Known As

King Clam, Elephant Clam, Gweduck, Goeduck, Goiduck

Appearance

• Geoducks are characterized by a small shell and very long siphon, or "neck."
• The long “neck” has two openings at the end—one for taking in oxygen and phytoplankton and one for releasing excess water.

Biology

• Geoducks are long-lived—the oldest ever recorded was 168 years old.
• Geoducks burrow into the sediment about 1 foot per year to a depth of 3 feet.
• In the first 3 to 5 years, geoducks grow to 1.5 pounds, though they may not reach maximum size (about 7 pounds) for 15 years.
• Females release between 1 and 2 million eggs per spawn.

Are Geoducks Sustainable?

U.S. farmed geoducks are a smart seafood choice because they are sustainably grown and harvested under U.S. state and federal regulations.

Availability

Available year-round.

Source

Washington State and Alaska.

Taste

The neck is tough and crunchy, while the belly meat is tender and sweet.

Health Benefits

Geoducks are excellent sources of protein and iron.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1; Serving Weight: 100 g; Calories: 74; Protein: 12.77 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Total Saturated Fatty Acids: 0.1 g; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Total Sugars: 0 g; Total Dietary Fiber: 34 mg; Sodium: 56 mg

FDA and EPA have issued advice regarding eating fish.

This advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.

Fish provide key nutrients that support a child’s brain development.

Fish are part of a healthy eating pattern and provide key nutrients during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or early childhood to support a child’s brain development:

• Omega-3 (called DHA and EPA) and omega-6 fats
• Iron
• Iodine (during pregnancy)
• Choline

Choline also supports development of the baby’s spinal cord. Fish provide iron and zinc to support children’s immune systems. Fish are a source of other nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium too.

Eating fish can provide other health benefits too.

Fish intake during pregnancy is recommended because moderate scientific evidence shows it can help your baby’s cognitive development.

Strong evidence shows that eating fish, as part of a healthy eating pattern, may have heart health benefits.

Healthy eating patterns that include fish may have other benefits too. Moderate scientific evidence shows that eating patterns relatively higher in fish but also in other foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy, lean meats and poultry, nuts, and unsaturated vegetable oils, and lower in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, and refined grains are associated with:

• Promotion of bone health – decreases the risk for hip fractures
• Decreases in the risk of becoming overweight or obese
• Decreases in the risk for colon and rectal cancers

A healthy eating pattern consists of choices across all food groups (vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods, which includes fish), eaten in recommended amounts, and within calorie needs. Healthy eating patterns include foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting components and have no or little added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating fish as part of a healthy eating pattern.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends:

• At least 8 ounces of seafood (less for children) per week based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding consume between 8 and 12 ounces per week of a variety of seafood from choices that are lower in mercury.

Choose a variety of fish that are lower in mercury.

While it is important to limit mercury in the diets of those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children, many types of fish are both nutritious and lower in mercury.

This chart can help you choose which fish to eat, and how often to eat them, based on their mercury levels.

What is a serving? As a guide, use the palm of your hand.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• 1 serving is 4 ounces

Eat 2 to 3 servings a week from the "Best Choices" list
(OR 1 serving from the "Good Choices" list).

Childhood:
On average, a serving is about:

• 1 ounce at age 1 to 3
• 2 ounces at age 4 to 7
• 3 ounces at age 8 to 10
• 4 ounces at age 11

Eat 2 servings a week from the “Best Choices” list.