Invertebrates of Interest: Bivalves

California's coastal waters are home to a multitude of invertebrates (species lacking a bony skeleton). A small fraction of these, including bivalves such as clams and mussels, are actually targeted by California's recreational and commercial fisheries. In the following links, visitors can learn more about bivalve species identification, biology, habitat, geographic range, fishing methods, and more.

• Health Advisories for California Finfish, Shellfish and Crustaceans
  Details on the latest health advisories and fishery closure information due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid toxins
• California Department of Public Health's Latest Marine Biotoxin Quarantines and Health Advisories
  Contains the latest information regarding shellfish quarantines and health advisories
• California Department of Public Health's Shellfish Program
  Contains links to CDPH's Marine Biotoxin and Phytoplankton monitoring programs 
• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report: Bay and Estuarine Invertebrate Resources Overview - 2001 (PDF)
  Details California's coastal clam resources and the threats they face
• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report
  Details the history, biology, and fishery for the following species:
  • Culture of Clams - 2008 (PDF)
  • Culture of Mussels - 2008 (PDF)
  • Culture of Oysters - 2008 (PDF)
  • Gaper Clams - 2001 (PDF)
  • Geoduck Clam - 2001 (PDF)
  • Littleneck Clams - 2001 (PDF)
  • Pacific Razor Clam - 2001 (PDF)
  • Pismo Clam - 2001 (PDF)
  • Pismo Clam - 2006 (PDF)
  • Rock Scallop - 2001 (PDF)
  • Washington Clams - 2001 (PDF)
• Life History Information for Selected California Marine Invertebrates and Plants
• Shellfish Health Laboratory
• Sport Clamming in Humboldt Bay - A Historical Perspective (PDF)
  from California Fish and Game issue 96(4), Autumn 2010
• Magazine and Newsletter Articles
  • Creature Feature: Gaper Clam
    Marine Management News blog post, June 2015