Population structure, growth and production of the surf clam Donax serra (Bivalvia, Donacidae), inhabiting highly exposed sandy beaches of Namibia, were investigated between November 1997 and December 1999. From length-frequency distribution and tagging-recapture data, a von Bertalanffy growth function with an asymptotic length (L[infinity]) of 82†mm and a growth constant (K) of 0.274†yr-1 was established. Regarding growth performance of Donacidae, D. serra fits in a group of species inhabiting cold temperate and upwelling regions. The intertidal biomass of the studied population ranged between 141 and 546†g ash-free dry mass (AFDM) m-2†yr-1. Individual production was maximal at 56.5†mm shell length (0.83†g†AFDM†ind.-1†yr-1), and annual production ranged between 167 and 637†g†AFDM†m-2†yr-1, resulting in productivity values between 1.167 and 1.589†yr-1. These data underline the importance of D. serra for the beach/surf ecosystem. Further, the findings of this study are crucial to support future aquaculture or exploitation activities and management.