Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams

Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams

Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　“Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams” have round-bottomed triangular shells with glossy surfaces in yellowish-green or emerald green. The two shells are inflated, with high beaks slightly tilted forward, and clear concentric ribs on the surface. When steamed or boiled, the meat is crisp, tender, delicious, and uniquely light in flavor. Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams are a nationally protected geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Freshwater clams: also known as yellow clams or golden clams, have high medicinal and edible value. As a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, they help stimulate appetite, promote lactation, improve eyesight, increase urination, remove dampness toxins, treat liver diseases, cure measles, relieve cough and phlegm, and alleviate alcohol intoxication. They also serve as natural feed for poultry, livestock, and fish.

　　The Shuqing River Freshwater Clam Provincial Aquatic Germplasm Resources Reserve in Laiyang City has been approved for establishment by the Shandong Provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries. This is the city’s second approved aquatic resources reserve, following the Laiyang Wulong River Carp National Aquatic Germplasm Resources Reserve.

　　Shuqing River is one of the five major tributaries of the Wulong River and has been abundant in freshwater clams since ancient times. Shuqing River Freshwater Clams, also known as yellow clams or golden clams, have high medicinal and edible value. As a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, they help stimulate appetite, promote lactation, improve eyesight, increase urination, remove dampness toxins, treat liver diseases, cure measles, relieve cough and phlegm, and alleviate alcohol intoxication. They also serve as natural feed for poultry, livestock, and fish. Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially due to industrialization and human activities, the ecological balance of the Shuqing River’s natural waters has been severely damaged, leading to a sharp decline in freshwater clam resources. The approval of the Shuqing River Freshwater Clam Provincial Aquatic Germplasm Resources Reserve will better protect the germplasm resources of Shuqing River Freshwater Clams and strengthen the “Laiyang Shuqing River Freshwater Clams” brand.

　　Location:

　　Shandong

　　Applicant:

　　Laiyang City Fisheries Technology Extension Station

　　Location:

　　2014

　　Geographical Scope

　　The protected geographical area of Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams covers Laiyang City, Shandong Province. It spans a maximum east-west distance of 35 kilometers and a maximum north-south distance of 65 kilometers, covering an area of 1,731.54 square kilometers. The city administers four subdistrict offices—Chengxiang, Guliu, Longwangzhuang, and Fenggezhuang—as well as 14 towns: Muyudian, Tuanzhang, Xuefang, Yangjun, Jiangtuan, Wandi, Zhaowangzhuang, Tanggezhuang, Bolinzhuang, Heluo, Lügezhuang, Gaogezhuang, Dakuang, and Shanqiandian. The geographical coordinates are: 36°34′10″N to 37°9′52″N, 120°31′00″E to 120°59′12″E. According to rough estimates, the city has a freshwater clam farming area of 333 hectares, with an annual catch and farming production of approximately 2,000–3,500 tons of fresh clams.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External sensory characteristics. The shells are medium-sized, with adult clams typically measuring about 4.0 cm in length, 3.8 cm in height, and 2.0 cm in width, with shell height close to shell length. The shell surface is yellowish-green or emerald green and glossy. 2. Internal quality indicators: Due to its unique climate, water quality, and sandy characteristics, it is rich in various essential amino acids for humans as well as trace elements such as calcium, selenium, iron, and iodine, all of which are easily absorbed by the human body. Its internal quality indicators are: measured in fresh product, protein content 10.89–13.16 g/100g, taurine content 0.289–0.426 mg/g, calcium content 2.178×10³–3.246×10³ mg/kg, selenium content 0.12–0.26 mg/kg. When stewed plainly, the meat is delicious, fragrant, and the broth is milky white. The internal organs can also be eaten, offering rich nutrition. 3. Quality and safety regulations: The production environment of Laiyang Wulong River Freshwater Clams must comply with the “Requirements for the Environment of Non-polluted Aquatic Product Production Areas for Agricultural Product Safety Quality” (GB/T18407.4-2001), and the product quality must meet the “Safety Requirements for Non-polluted Aquatic Products for Agricultural Product Safety Quality” (GB18406.4-2001). Products that fall under the circumstances specified in Article 33 of the “Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law” may not be sold on the market.