Are clams banned in Canada?

[stellarfly]

Went to the LFS today only to learn that clams are banned into coming Canada? Is this true?! Did I miss something?! Why?! Is there a post I could be directed to please for more information. I love clams... Why do Canadians get ripped?

Let me know

[MarkoD]

Which store told you that?

[The Grizz]

Here's a couple threads to read through that might help better inform you.....

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=96964&highlight=Clams

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=791166

[reefwars]

Clams are not banned in Canada , some species from certain areas arnt allowed in country but not all clams:)

[stellarfly]

My favorite clams are derasa...I hope they will be available for years to come

[TimT]

Hi,

Clams are not banned in Canada but they are regulated on a couple different levels.

First, all clams are CITES appendix 2 so they require a CITES permit from the exporting country/country of origin.

As of early this year the CFIA is now involved in the importation process of live animals for our hobby. Here is a link to the list of regulated animals.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/aquatic-animals/diseases/susceptible-species/eng/1327162574928/1327162766981#t1

Any animal on this list requires an Import Permit to be issued by the CFIA. CFIA can choose to inspect the shipment upon arrival. If the mortality of the incoming shipment is too high CFIA can destroy the whole shipment. Thus Maxima and Crocea clams are now riskier to import.

For an importer to bring in a shipment of maxima or crocea clams they need the following; CITES permit from country of origin, Import Permit from CFIA, Canada must have a negotiated trade agreement in place with the country of origin and there must be no disease outbreaks in that country.

Cheers,
Tim

[tang daddy]

So basically it's not that you can't get them, but people ordering them in have to jump through more hoops which in turn will drive the costs up!

[TimT]

Yes, there is definitely more hoops and a lot more risk. When I import a Tahiti Clam shipment it is usually 300+ clams. These clams are paid for before they leave Tahiti. These clams retail for around $175 in Canada and $250 in the US. If CFIA decides to destroy the shipment it can be a huge loss...

[stellarfly]

Thanks to all for the quick and informative responses

[reefwars]

So basically it's not that you can't get them, but people ordering them in have to jump through more hoops which in turn will drive the costs up!

or the quality and availability of clams we had will go down , so like tim mentioned may become very hard to find a tahitian maxima and the stores will just opt to buy the clams that are readily available , in turn the prices on the restricted species will go up.

[BowedFloor]

If anyone wants to sell a medium sized (4-6" lengthways) blue maxima, I'll take it.

[pinkreef]

Clam farms are another choice. does canada have any?

[TimT]

Clam farms are another choice. does canada have any?

Not that I am aware of as it is not financially viable. There are clam farms in several of the South Pacific Island Countries.

[Magickiwi]

Not that I am aware of as it is not financially viable. There are clam farms in several of the South Pacific Island Countries.

I believe ORA farms various clams. They are a US company.

[TimT]

I believe ORA farms various clams. They are a US company.

ORA purchased the clam farm in the Marshall Islands.

Cheers,
Tim

[TimT]

My avatar is an ultra grade maxima I imported from the Marshall Islands farm before ORA took it over.