Click here to request additional information about any of these programs or to request the publications listed above. Over 195 million pounds of products were landed but in some cases lower valued species such as dogfish and skate replaced traditional species. These figures represent only product that was actually off-loaded in New Jersey and do not include product harvested by New Jersey boats and landed in other ports. Overall there are 2,864 full and part-time commercial fishermen helping to ensure the New Jersey consumer of a wide range of fresh, high quality seafood products.
New Jersey is the leading supplier of surf clams and ocean quahogs to both the nation and the world.
New Jersey led the nation in the harvest of surf clams bringing in 44.8 million pounds of meat. Ocean quahogs and surf clams are used in processed products such as chowders, sauces, dips and breaded strips. Although most of these clams are harvested in New Jersey, secondary processing often occurs in other states. One of the Department of Agriculture's goals is to bring more food processing operations and their concomitant jobs and tax base to the Garden State. The leading harvests by value are surf clams, ocean quahogs, sea scallops, Loligo and Illex squid, hard clams, tuna and fluke.