The scientific name for the geoduck is Panope abrupta . In fact, the geoduck is the largest intertidal, burrowing clam in the world and supports large commercial fisheries in Washington State. On very low tides the geoducks are harvested by hand from holes dug that may reach 4 feet deep. This type of harvest is almost strictly done by recreational clam diggers. Commercial harvest is by divers.
Geoducks are one of the longest living animals in the world.
Geoducks over 140 years old have been identified. The geoduck is the largest intertidal clam in the world. Preferred commercial weight is about 2 lbs. One weighing 8.5 pounds was recently harvested by our divers with larger clams reported by fishermen in the field. Even though adult geoducks are relatively immobile they quickly withdraw their siphon if disturbed and are not an easy catch.