The annual production for 1906 was 800 bushels, valued at $1,500, as about half were "little necks." Mediums are not numerous, and are bought by the quahaug dealers at $1.25 per bushel and sold by them at so much per hundred.
In Marion the quahaug industry once flourished to a marked degree, but at present is very much on the decline. The coves, which once were bedded with "little necks" and quahaugs, are now nearly exhausted. No reasons exist for this condition of affairs, so far as known, except overdigging. Gradually for many years the supply has perceptibly declined, until now it is at a very low ebb. Where a thousand barrels were formerly produced, it is doubtful if a thousand bushels are now dug during the entire season, and the overworked beds are becoming each year more depleted. A. Howard Clark, in his report on the fisheries of Marion, estimates the quahaug production in 1880 as 2,000 bushels. The yield for 1906 is only 800 bushels, which shows an alarming decline in production. If once the waters of Marion could produce a large amount of quahaugs, there is no reason why they cannot again be made to produce the same, or more.
Summary of Industry.
| Area of quahaug territory (acres), | 400 |
| Number of men, | 19 |
| Number of boats, | — |
| Value of boats, | — |
| Number of skiffs, | 19 |
| Value of skiffs, | $200 |
| Value of implements, | $50 |
Production.
| "Little necks":— | |
| Bushels, | 400 |
| Value, | $1,100 |
| Quahaugs:— | |
| Bushels, | 400 |
| Value, | $400 |
| Total:— | |
| Bushels, | 800 |
| Value, | $1,500 |
Mashpee.
The quahaug industry at Mashpee is at a low ebb. Natural facilities are favorable, but a lack of initiative on the part of the inhabitants causes a small production. The best grounds are found in Popponessett Bay and River, where a territory of 200 acres includes several oyster grants which are worked but little. On the east side of Waquoit Bay scattering quahaugs are found in Mashpee waters.