The Safest Oyster on the Market

With a very small population spread out along a coastline longer than the rest of the United States, Alaska has waters that still are the very essence of pristine. Most of the state's aquatic farms can boast of water quality tests that show no human presence. While about half of the growing waters in other regions operate under harvest limitations because of pollution, Alaska has no prohibited or restricted growing areas.

At a time of increasing concern about the safety of eating raw shellfish, consumers can eat Alaska oysters and clams with confidence. FDA officials recognize the state's shellfish sanitation as one of the best in the country, and its sampling program for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

Only limited quantities of the prized mussel are now available, a cooperative of aquatic farmers in Kachemak Bay hopes to increase production in the near future. Kachemak Bay mussels are unusually large, full and sweet for a West Coast blue mussel.

Farming giant geoduck clams in Alaska holds great promise and a number of new farms are currently under development in the southernmost region of the state. Geoduck are the world’s largest burrowing clams (averaging about 3-4 pounds in the Southeast dive fishery) and are one of the world’s most valuable seafood products. The first harvests of geoducks from an Alaska farm can be expected by 2010.

Another species certain to add to the appeal of Alaska's farmed shellfish crops is the purple-hinged rock scallop. This scallop has a unique flavor and texture and is considered one of the tastiest in any ocean. However, consumers aren't like to have the opportunity to sample purple hinged rock scallops in the near future. The industry is still experimenting with growing methods, processing and packaging techniques, and analyzing economic feasibility.

The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery also is working with razor clams and cockles, and is collaborating with the University of Alaska, National Marine Fisheries Services, industry and communities on exploring the feasibility of raising king crab to enhance depressed crab stocks.