Pipi belong to the Mesodesmatidae family.  They are oval-shaped, bivalve shell hinged centrally.  Larger shells have a concave lower edge.

Pipi Fishery

Pipi are common all around New Zealand and around the Chatham Islands.  They are often found on silty sandbars or sandy beaches just inside harbour entrances, especially in areas where there is freshwater seepage. 

The species is harvested year-round.

New Zealand's Pipi fishery is managed by strict quotas, which allow only a set amount of Pipi to be taken commercially each year. This Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) was set at 204 metric tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing year.

Pipi Meat Quality

Pipi have delicate, creamy coloured flesh.

For meal ideas using Pipi, check out recipes on the Greatest Meal on Earth website.