I’m not too sure about blaming the sea otters for the disappearance of the famous Pismo Beach clams — but the good news is that the clams seem to be making a comeback these days! While the truly big specimens have yet to be found, the population is now being carefully monitored, and hopefully will continue to thrive in the area made famous for its huge hauls of these tasty shellfish. And after watching this episode, now I’ve got a craving for clam chowder!

Huell travels to Pismo Beach on the coast 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo, and learns how its famous clams, plentiful in the region at the turn of the century, did their part in creating an image for one of the last of the classic California beach towns.

(Click on the linked image below to see the video.)