Geoduck

File:Jrb 20081127 Mirugai tsukiji tokyo japan 001.JPG in Tokyo]]

The name Geoduck is derived from the Lushootseed name for the animal, {{Langx|lut|gʷidəq|label=none}}.{{Cite book |last1=Bates |first1=Dawn |title=Lushootseed Dictionary |last2=Hess |first2=Thom |last3=Hilbert |first3=Vi |publisher=University of Washington Press |year=1994 |location=Seattle}} The etymology of {{Langx|lut|gʷidəq|label=none}} is disputed. The lexical suffix {{Lang|lut|{{=}}əq}} means "many" in Lushootseed. The Oxford English Dictionary says it is composed of a root word of unknown meaning and {{Lang|lut|{{=}}əq}} instead meaning "genitals" (referring to the shape of the clam),{{Cite OED|geoduck|id=77740}}{{Dictionary.com|geoduck|access-date=29 March 2007}} while other researchers say it is a phrase meaning "dig deep".{{Cite journal|first1=A.|last1=Campbell|first2=R. M.|last2=Harbo|first3=C. M.|last3=Hand|title=Harvesting and distribution of Pacific Geoduck Clams|journal=Proceedings of the North Pacific Symposium on Invertebrate Stock Assessment and Management|year=1998|url={{GBurl|id=WnNVQKNwRsQC|p=350}}|page=350}}

It is sometimes known as a mud duck, king clam or, when translated literally from Chinese, an elephant-trunk clam ({{Zh-cjp|c=象拔蚌|p=xiàngbábàng|j=zoeng6 bat6 pong5}}).{{Cite book|url={{GBurl|id=h_L8CgAAQBAJ|q=geoduck+%22elephant%22|p=171}}|title=Diversity in Sinitic Languages|last=Chappell|first=Hilary M.|date=2015|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-103573-9|page=171|language=en}}

Between 1983 and 2010, the scientific name of this clam was confused with that of an extinct clam, Panopea abrupta (Conrad, 1849), in scientific literature.{{cite journal|last=Vadopalas|first=B.|year=2010|title=The proper name for the geoduck: resurrection of Panopea generosa Gould, 1850, from the synonymy of Panopea abrupta (Conrad, 1849) (Bivalvia: Myoida: Hiatellidae)|url=http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/collections/ichthyology/documents/pietsch/Geoduck.pdf|journal=Malacologia|volume=52|issue=1|pages=169–173|doi=10.4002/040.052.0111|author2=T. W. Pietsch|author3=C. S. Friedman|s2cid=84189390|access-date=2 March 2012}}

Native to the west coast of Canada and the northwest coast of the United States (primarily Washington and British Columbia), these marine bivalve mollusks are the largest burrowing clams in the world, weighing in at an average of {{convert|1+1/2|lb|kg|1|order=flip}} at maturity, but specimens weighing over {{convert|15|lb|kg|round=0.5|order=flip}} and as much as {{convert|2|m|ftin|sp=us}} in length are not unheard of.{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}

A related species, Panopea zelandica, is found in New Zealand and has been harvested commercially since 1989. The largest quantities have come from Golden Bay in the South Island where {{convert|100|tonne|ST}} were harvested in one year. There is a growing concern over the increase of parasites in the Puget Sound population of geoduck. Whether these microsporidium-like parasitic species were introduced by commercial farming is being studied by Sea Grant. Research to date does indicate their presence.{{cite web|url=https://wsg.washington.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/publications/Geoduck-Final-Report-Dec-2013.pdf|title=Geoduck Aquaculture Research Program|website=wsg.washington.edu|publisher=Geoduck Aquaculture Research Program, Washington Sea Grant|access-date=18 April 2014}}

The oldest recorded specimen was 179 years old, but individuals usually live up to 140 years. A geoduck sucks water containing plankton down through its long siphon, filters this for food and ejects its refuse out through a separate hole in the siphon. Adult geoducks have few natural predators, which may also contribute to their longevity. In Alaska, sea otters and dogfish have proved capable of dislodging geoducks; starfish also attack and feed on the exposed geoduck siphon.

Geoducks are broadcast spawners. A female geoduck produces about 5 billion eggs in her century-long lifespan. However, due to a low rate of recruitment and a high rate of mortality for geoduck eggs, larvae, and post-settled juveniles, populations are slow to rebound.{{cite thesis|last=Willner|first=Georgina B.|title=The Potential Impacts of the Commercial Geoduck (Panope generosa) Hydraulic Harvest Method on Organisms in the Sediment and at the Water-Sediment Interface in Puget Sound|degree=Master|publisher=The Evergreen State College|location=Olympia, Washington|date=June 2006|url=https://protectourshoreline.org/articles/ThesisGeoduckHarvestImpacts.pdf|access-date=1 January 2023}} In the Puget Sound, studies indicate that the recovery time for a harvested tract is 39 years.{{cite report|last1=Palazzi|first1=David C.|first2=Lynn|last2=Goodwin|first3=Alex|last3=Bradbury|first4=Bob|last4=Sizemore|last5=Washington (state)|editor-first1=Leigh|editor-last1=Espy|editor-first2=Susan|editor-last2=Sturges|editor-first3=Candis|editor-last3=Ladenburg|editor-first4=Blanch|editor-last4=Sabottke|date=23 May 2001|title=Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: State of Washington Commercial Geoduck Fishery|location=Olympia WA|publisher=State of Washington Department of Natural Resources: Department of Fish and Wildlife|url=https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/aqr_geo_lowres2001_final_seis.pdf|access-date=1 January 2023|page=5}}

Biomass densities in Southeast Alaska are estimated by divers, then inflated by twenty percent to account for geoducks not visible at the time of survey.{{cite journal |author1=Rumble, JM |author2=Hebert, KP |author3=Siddon, CE |title=Estimating Geoduck Harvest Rate and Show Factors in Southeast Alaska |journal=In: Steller D, Lobel L, Eds. Diving for Science 2012. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences 31st Symposium. |year=2012 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10279 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130929031850/http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10279 |url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 September 2013 |access-date=29 September 2013 }} This estimate is used to predict the two percent allowed for commercial harvesting.

{{main|Geoduck aquaculture}}

The world's first geoduck fishery was created in 1970, but demand for the half-forgotten clam was low at first due to its texture.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}} {{As of|2011}}, these clams sell in China for over US{{convert|15|$/lb|$/kg|order=flip|disp=or}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/117024808.html |title=Chinese mafia rakes in millions from 'Puget Sound gold' |author=Vedder, Tracy |date=3 March 2011 |publisher=KOMOnews.com |access-date=6 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606152213/http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/117024808.html |archive-date=6 June 2011 |df=dmy }}Welch, Craig, 2012. NW geoducks fetch top dollar in China, and as prices soar, so do concerns about illegal harvesting in Puget Sound, The Seattle Times, 22 April 2012, pp 1 & 10.

The geoduck's high market value has created an $80-million industry, with harvesting occurring in the US states of Alaska, Washington, and Oregon and the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is one of the most closely regulated fisheries in both countries. In Washington, Department of Natural Resources staff are on the water continually monitoring harvests to ensure revenues are received, and the same is true in Canada where the Underwater Harvesters' Association manages the Canadian Fishery in conjunction with Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The Washington State Department of Health tests water and flesh to assure clams are not filtering and holding pollutants, an ongoing problem. With the rise in price has come the inevitable problem with poaching, and with it the possibility some could be harvested from unsafe areas.{{cite news |last=Dunagan |first=Christopher |url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/feb/27/poaching-hurts-geoduck-population-growth/ |title=Poaching hurts geoduck population growth |newspaper=Kitsap Sun |access-date=5 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229025723/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/feb/27/poaching-hurts-geoduck-population-growth/ |archive-date=29 February 2012 |df=dmy }}

{{As of|2007}}, advances in the testing system for contaminated clams have allowed geoduck harvesters to deliver live clams more consistently. The new testing system determines the viability of clams from tested beds before the harvesters fish the area. Previous methods tested clams after harvest. This advance has meant that 90 percent of clams were delivered live to market in 2007. In 2001, only 10 percent were live.{{cite news |url=http://www.nationalfisherman.com/month-content.asp?ItemID=1110&pcid=184&cid=187&archive=yes |author=Ess, Charlie |title=Toxin test gives live market a boost; quota also gets a significant bump |work=National Fisherman |access-date=1 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114115424/http://www.nationalfisherman.com/month-content.asp?ItemID=1110&pcid=184&cid=187&archive=yes |archive-date=14 November 2006 |df=dmy-all }} Because geoduck have a much higher market value live, an additional {{convert|2|to|3|$/lb|$/kg|order=flip|disp=or}}, this development has helped to stimulate the burgeoning industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the geoduck industry. Given the near-shutdown of restaurants and seafood markets across the country, demand for live geoducks plummeted. Divers in Southeast Alaska who typically see prices of {{convert|5|to|10|$/lb|$/kg|order=flip|disp=or}} for live geoducks reported prices as low as {{convert|1|$/lb|$/kg|order=flip|disp=or}}, leading many to stop fishing temporarily.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alaskapublic.org/2020/02/17/coronavirus-shutters-southeast-alaska-geoduck-clam-fishery/|title=Coronavirus shutters Southeast Alaska geoduck clam fishery|last1=Stone|first1=Eric|last2=Ketchikan|first2=Alaska's Energy Desk-|date=2020-02-18|website=Alaska Public Media|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-18}}

File:2009 Mollusca in Hong Kong.JPG|Seafood geoduck display in a Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong

File:Seattle - Curiosity Shop geoduck 01A.jpg|An ostensibly record-setting geoduck, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, Seattle, Washington.

Geoduck farming grow-out and harvest practices are controversial,{{cite web |url=http://www.ProtectOurShoreline.org/slideshow/POS_ShellfishAquacultureConcerns.pdf |title=Geoduck aquaculture in South Puget Sound|website=Protectourshoreline.org|access-date=2017-05-23}} and have created conflicts with shoreline property owners,{{cite web |url=http://www.ProtectOurShoreline.org |title=Protect Our Shoreline |publisher=Protect Our Shoreline |date=12 July 2000 |access-date=5 June 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.APHETI.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929202803/http://www.apheti.com/ |archive-date=29 September 2007 |title=APHETI-Association to Protect Hammersley, Eld and Totten Inlets |publisher=Apheti.com |access-date=5 June 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.responsibleshellfishfarming.ca/ |title=Responsible Shellfish Farming BC |publisher=Responsibleshellfishfarming.ca |access-date=5 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218145119/http://www.responsibleshellfishfarming.ca/ |archive-date=18 February 2012 |df=dmy }}{{cite web |url=http://www.hendersonbayshorelineassociation.com|title=Henderson Bay Shoreline Association|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928092333/http://www.hendersonbayshorelineassociation.com/|archive-date=28 September 2007|df=dmy-all}} and concerns from nongovernmental organizations.{{cite web|url=http://www.psp.wa.gov/aboutthepartnership.php |title=About the Partnership |publisher=Puget Sound Partnership |access-date=8 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507010124/http://www.psp.wa.gov/aboutthepartnership.php |archive-date=7 May 2009 |df=dmy }} However, the Environmental Defense Fund has found that bivalves (oysters, mussels, and clams) are beneficial to the marine environment.{{cite journal | journal=Environmental Defense for Pew Oceans Commission | year=2001 | title=Marine Aquaculture in the United States | last=Goldburg| first=Rebecca|display-authors=etal }} The water must be certifiably clean to plant geoducks commercially.{{cite web|url=http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/commercial.htm |title=Commercial Shellfish Licensing & Certification Program |publisher=Washington State Department of Health Office of Shellfish and Water Protection |access-date=8 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506230813/http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/commercial.htm |archive-date=6 May 2009 |df=dmy }} Regulation was mandated in 2007.{{cite web |url=http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shellfishcommittee/index.html |title=Shellfish Aquaculture Regulatory Committee |publisher=Washington State Department of Ecology |access-date=10 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821124924/http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shellfishcommittee/index.html |archive-date=21 August 2007 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite report|title=Interim Progress Report: House Bill 2220 Shellfish Aquaculture Regulatory Committee|url=https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/0706027.pdf|publisher=House Committee on Ecology and Parks House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation|date=December 2007|access-date=1 January 2023}} Studies have been funded to determine short- and long-term environmental and genetic impacts.{{cite web |url=http://www.wsg.washington.edu/research/geoduck/current_research.html |title=Current Geoduck Research |publisher=Washington Sea Grant |access-date=5 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619202845/http://www.wsg.washington.edu/research/geoduck/current_research.html |archive-date=19 June 2012 |df=dmy }} In southern Puget Sound, the effect of geoduck farming on large mobile animals is ambiguous.{{cite journal | last1 = Brown | first1 = R. A. | last2 = Thuesen | first2 = E. V. | year = 2011 | title = Biodiversity of mobile benthic fauna in geoduck (Panopea generosa) aquaculture beds in southern Puget Sound, Washington | journal = Journal of Shellfish Research | volume = 30 | issue = 3| pages = 771–776 | doi = 10.2983/035.030.0317 | s2cid = 2075387 }} A 2004 draft biological assessment, commissioned by three of the largest commercial shellfish companies in the Puget Sound region, identified no long-term effects of geoduck farming on threatened or endangered species.{{cite web|url=http://www.protectourshoreline.org/taylor/7BiologicalEvaluation.pdf |title=Programmatic Biological Evaluation |website=Protectourshoreline.org |access-date=2017-05-23}}

The large, meaty siphon is prized for its savory flavor and crunchy texture. Geoduck is regarded by some as an aphrodisiac because of its phallic shape. It is very popular in China, where it is considered a delicacy, mostly eaten cooked in a fondue-style Chinese hot pot. In Korean cuisine, geoducks are eaten raw with spicy chili sauce, sautéed, or in soups and stews. In Japan, geoduck is prepared as raw sashimi, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi. On Japanese menus in cheaper sushi restaurants, geoduck is sometimes substituted for Tresus keenae, a species of horse clam, and labeled {{transliteration|ja|mirugai}} or {{transliteration|ja|mirukuigai}}. It is considered to have a texture similar to an ark shell (known in Japanese as {{transliteration|ja|akagai}}). {{transliteration|ja|Mirugai}} is sometimes translated into English as "giant clam", and it is distinguished from {{transliteration|ja|himejako}} sushi, which is made from Tridacna gigas.

File:Geoduck before cooking at a Chinese restaurant in Sunnyvale.jpg|Geoduck before cooking at a Chinese restaurant in Sunnyvale, California

File:Cooked geoduck (right) at a Chinese restaurant in Sunnyvale.jpg|Cooked geoduck (right) at a Chinese restaurant in Sunnyvale, California

==In popular culture==

Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, has a geoduck as its mascot named Speedy.{{Cite web | url = https://www.evergreen.edu/geoduck/ | title = Speedy, Evergreen's Geoduck Mascot | access-date = 2019-09-20 | publisher = evergreen.edu | language = en}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.buzzfeed.com/capitalone/10-weird-and-hilarious-college-mascots | title = 10 Weird And Hilarious College Mascots | quote = 2. Evergreen State - The Geoduck | access-date = 2019-09-20 | date = 2011-11-11 | publisher = buzzfeed.com | language = en}}

Geoducks have also earned some internet infamy due to the phallic appearance of their siphons.{{cite web | last=Tran | first=Lina | title=Everything You Need to Know About Geoducks | website=Eater | date=2016-07-17 | url=https://www.eater.com/2016/7/17/11691958/what-is-geoduck | access-date=2022-08-11}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Panopea generosa|Geoduck}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050204021117/http://manandmollusc.net/geoduck.html Man and Mollusc—Geoduck facts]
• [http://www.geoduck.org/ Geoduck.org; Underwater Harvester's Association]
• [http://geoduck.org Geoduck.org: UHA—BC Seafood Alliance],
• [http://www.evergreen.edu/geoduck The Evergreen State College's Geoducks Page]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20040917010440/http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/geoduck/title_e.htm Fisheries and Oceans Canada—Geoduck clam (Panopea abrupta)]—Anatomy, Histology, Development, Pathology, Parasites, and Symbionts.
• [http://www.duckumentary.com "Duckumentary" film Home Page: "3 Feet Under—Digging Deep for the Geoduck Clam"]
• [http://www.geoduckrecipes.com Geoduck cooking Recipes]

{{commercial molluscs|state=collapsed}}

{{Edible molluscs}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1068209}}

Category:Clams

Category:Hiatellidae

Category:Marine molluscs of North America

Category:Molluscs of the Pacific Ocean

Category:Molluscs of the United States

Category:Western North American coastal fauna

Category:Commercial molluscs

Category:Japanese seafood

Category:Seafood in Native American cuisine

Category:Washington (state) culture

Category:Bivalves described in 1850

Category:Taxa named by Augustus Addison Gould

Category:Ark of Taste foods