Annual gametogenic cycle in ocean quahog, Arctica islandica, was investigated using specimens collected regularly from a near shore population in north-western Iceland from December 1997 to November 1998. Gonads from 450 adult quahogs with shell length ranging from 65 to 106 mm were examined after being prepared by standard histological techniques. Observed gametogenic progression was categorized by five phases: (EA) early active; (LA) late active; (R) ripe; (PS) partially spent; (S) spent. All phases of the gametogenic cycle were present in the samples all the year around except in May and June when no spent individuals were seen, and in June and July when no individuals in the early active phase were observed. Morphologically ripe specimens predominated in the samples from May until August when partially spawned individuals dominated the population and did so until February. Spawning activity as inferred from the histological examination appears to be all the year around but most intense from June until August.