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Click on images to see larger
The information we collected enabled us to map the location of clams and features of their surrounding environment. The maps presented on this webpage display where we found clams of each species and at what densities. Overall, the distribution and number of the four clam species we investigated varied by location within the bay. These species also seemed to be associated with certain aspects of their environment.
Clamming maps of Coos Bay
DAM sampling locations
In 2008, SEACOR studied the south part of the Coos bay:
- Clam Island
- Pigeon Point
- South Slough
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Butter Clams
Butter clams were found in high densities in Coos Bay but were most common at Pigeon Point.
They were often found on high sandy bars, called butter bars, and occurred in areas with little algae.
Coos Bay butter clam DAM sample locations (jpg)
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Cockle Clams
There were considerably fewer cockle clams than butter clams or gaper clams in Coos Bay.
Cockles live near the surface and were found in areas with oxygenated sediment and plentiful algae.
They were most abundant at South Slough and Pigeon Point.
Coos Bay cockle clam DAM sample locations(jpg)
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Gaper Clams
Gaper clams were also found in high abundance in Coos Bay.
They were found in low tidal areas with eelgrass (Zostera marina) and were most abundant at Clam Island.
Coos Bay gaper clam DAM sample locations (jpg)
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Native Littleneck Clams
Native littleneck clams were found infrequently during our survey of Coos Bay.
They were present at Pigeon Point and South Slough in low tide areas with eelgrass and oxygenated sediments.
Coos native littleneck clam DAM sample locations (jpg)
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Contact the SEACOR project via e-mail at:
ODFW.SEACOR@odfw.oregon.gov |
