The Geoduck Of British Columbia

If you’ve never seen a geoduck before, prepare to be surprised. Native to the coastal waters of British Columbia, the geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck) is one of the largest – and most curious-looking – clams in the world. With a shell that’s modest in size but a siphon that can stretch well over a metre long, the geoduck is a creature that draws attention not only for its odd appearance, but also for its ecological importance and culinary prestige.

A Pacific Northwest Marvel

British Columbia’s pristine waters, particularly around Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands, provide the perfect habitat for geoducks. These massive burrowing clams can live for more than 100 years, making them one of the longest-living animals in the world. Most geoducks harvested commercially are between four and seven years old, but some wild specimens have been dated at over 150 years.

 

Geoducks bury themselves deep in sandy ocean floors – sometimes up to a metre deep – and extend their long siphons up to the surface to filter plankton from the water. Because they live so deep in the substrate, harvesting them requires skilled divers and careful environmental management to preserve the surrounding seabed.

 

A Delicacy With Global Demand

While they might be a novelty to many Canadians, geoducks are a highly prized delicacy in Asian cuisine. Their firm, sweet meat is often eaten raw in sashimi, hot pot or lightly sautéed to maintain its natural flavour. In Hong Kong, China, Japan and South Korea, geoduck dishes are considered a luxurious treat, and British Columbia’s sustainable harvest makes it a top exporter in the global market.

 

Local chefs have also begun to experiment with geoduck in creative ways, offering fresh takes on this ancient mollusk in modern Pacific Northwest cuisine. Some BC seafood restaurants feature geoduck crudo with citrus and herbs, or delicate geoduck chowders that showcase its briny richness.

Sustainable & Regulated

BC is a global leader in geoduck sustainability. The fishery is carefully regulated with strict quotas and dive-only harvesting methods that help reduce ecological impact. Divers work under tight guidelines, ensuring that the clam beds remain healthy for future generations of both geoducks and seafood lovers.

 

Want To Try It?

If you’re visiting BC and want to taste this legendary clam, look for geoduck dishes at high-end seafood restaurants in Vancouver or Victoria. For the adventurous, some guided culinary experiences or seafood markets also offer freshly prepared geoduck for sampling. You can even find frozen or live geoduck in specialty markets for those interested in trying their hand at preparing it at home.