Razor clams - commercial fishery using electric current gear: consultation analysis - island communities impact assessment

1. Objectives of the Policy

The Scottish Government Marine Directorate has consulted on establishing a limited commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current fishing gear from 1 February 2027. A scientific trial of this technique has been underway since 2018 and evidence suggests that this is a low impact fishing technique that can form the basis of a commercial fishery that supplies a premium product, hand gathered by divers. All other commercial fishing for razor clams is prohibited in Scotland.

Fishing for razor clams using electric current presents an opportunity for the Scottish fishing industry and for coastal communities that depend upon fishing activity. Evidence gathered through the scientific trial indicates that a commercially viable fishery can be developed which delivers socio-economic benefits while maintaining a relatively low environmental impact. Government intervention is therefore aimed at using the evidence obtained through the trial to establish and regulate a small-scale, sustainable and economically valuable commercial fishery.

Fishing for razor clams using electric current presents an opportunity for the Scottish fishing industry and for coastal communities that depend upon fishing activity. Evidence gathered through the scientific trial indicates that a commercially viable fishery can be developed which delivers socio-economic benefits while maintaining a relatively low environmental impact. Government intervention is therefore aimed at using the evidence obtained through the trial to establish and regulate a small-scale, sustainable and economically valuable commercial fishery.

This approach is consistent with Scotland's wider fisheries management framework. It supports the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020, particularly the precautionary, ecosystem, sustainability and scientific evidence objectives, by enabling the utilisation of a marine resource while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.

The proposed new fishery aligns with paragraphs in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) relating to innovation and diversification. In particular, establishing a new fishery:

• supports opportunities to diversify to promote resilience and enable communities to become adaptable to the current and future needs of the seafood sector and associated support industries (JFS paragraph 4.2.17.15)
• recognises coastal communities' ambition for development and to encourage diversification to enable and maximise opportunities for the benefit of the seafood sector (JFS paragraph 4.2.17.16)
• encourages collaboration between industry, academia and government to find innovative opportunities for sustainable economic success and diversification (JFS paragraph 4.2.17.17)
• supports "innovative solutions" such as engine upgrades, alternative fuels, green technology, and gear changes that reduce emissions and seabed abrasion, contributing to the ecosystem and scientific evidence objectives (JFS paragraph 4.2.14.3)

Establishing a commercial fishery is consistent with Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy that balances environmental protection with the long-term economic viability of fishing businesses and the communities they support. By establishing a carefully managed fishery based on robust scientific evidence, the Scottish Government can support economic opportunities in coastal areas while ensuring that harvesting activity remains environmentally sustainable and consistent with Scotland's national fisheries policies.

The following National Performance Framework outcomes are supported by electrofishing for razor clams:

• Economy
• Communities
• Fair Work and Business
• Poverty
• Environment