NOAA Photo Library Banner

NOAA Photo Library Image - r0021111

A bucket full of quahogs, Mercenaria mercenaria. Quahogs feed by filtering plankton from the water, pumping up to a gallon per hour or more, depending on temperature. This feeding activity helps to improve water quality and clarity in Narragansett Bay and is an important ecological link between the Bay's water column and its benthic, or bottom-dwelling community.

Image ID: r0021111, NOAA's Restoration Center Collection
Location: Narragansett Bay, RI
Photo Date: Spring 1997
Credit: NOAA Restoration Center, Tom and Louise Kane

High Resolution Photo Available





Publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Adminstration (NOAA),
NOAA Central Library
NOAA Privacy Policy | NOAA Disclaimer
Last Updated:
April 23, 2007