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Renowned for its subtly sweet flavor and silky bite, Salish Seafoods geoduck is available exclusively to wholesalers. Photo: NOAA/FIS
Salish Seafoods: Washington's Sustainable Geoduck Farmers Connect Culture and Conservation
UNITED STATES
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 05:10 (GMT + 9)
Tribally owned company balances economic growth with environmental stewardship and community support in Puget Sound.
SQUAXIN ISLAND, WA – In the pristine waters of Puget Sound, Salish Seafoods, a tribally owned company, is making waves in sustainable aquaculture. While they sell wild salmon and farm clams and oysters, it's their geoduck farming that's particularly noteworthy, blending economic opportunity with cultural heritage and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship
Salish Seafoods' geoduck farming operation. Credit: Rod Schuffenhauer
Many outside the Pacific Northwest may be unfamiliar with the geoduck (pronounced "gooey-duck"), a large, filter-feeding clam native to Washington state. Salish Seafoods, however, has made geoduck farming a cornerstone of their business, recognizing its economic, cultural, and environmental significance.
Geoducks are notable for their relatively small shell and a remarkably long neck, or siphon, which can extend up to three feet. As efficient filter feeders, they draw in water and release it cleaner, improving water clarity and allowing more light to reach essential aquatic vegetation.
A geoduck, a long-lived clam native to the West Coast of the United States. Credit: Washington Sea Grant
A Family Legacy and Modern Stewardship
For Rod Schuffenhauer, Salish Seafoods' operations manager, aquaculture is more than a job; it's a lifelong connection. Growing up in a family deeply involved in the Pacific Northwest clam industry, Rod's experience informs his approach to sustainable farming. He oversees the meticulous process of geoduck cultivation, from carefully planting young "seed" in protective tubes on sandy beaches to the eventual hand-harvesting of mature clams after about five years.
 Salish Seafoods' commitment to sustainability is evident in their practices. They reuse aquaculture gear, actively participate in local beach cleanups, and prioritize a responsible work environment. This dedication reflects the Squaxin Island Tribe's long-standing tradition of respecting and caring for the tidelands.
Geoduck spat. Credit: Rod Schuffenhauer -->
Community at the Core
Founded in 1970, Salish Seafoods operates on Squaxin Island, honoring the Squaxin Island Tribe's deep connection to the water. The company's mission extends beyond business, aiming to support tribal fishermen. In 2024, they purchased 900,000 pounds of seafood from tribal members, injecting approximately $2 million into the community. This commitment was further demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when Salish Seafoods donated surplus shellfish to every household on the reservation.
The Squaxin Island Tribe, known as the People of the Water, has stewarded these resources for millennia. Salish Seafoods continues this tradition, demonstrating a deep love and care for both their products and their community.
Bins of harvested geoduck clam at Salish Seafoods ready for sale. Credit: Rod Schuffenhauer
Geoduck: From Farm to Table
While Salish Seafoods' clams and oysters are available to the public, their geoducks are currently sold wholesale. Rod describes the geoduck's unique flavor and texture, comparing it to a razor clam with a tender body and a slightly tougher, sweet neck, delicious in dishes like chowder and ceviche.
Fun Fact: Geoducks are known for their impressive lifespan, with the oldest recorded specimen reaching 168 years old!
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