Electrofishing for Razor Clams Scientific Trial: 1 February 2024-31 January 2025

3. Introduction

The seventh year of the trial continued to promote inter-agency cooperation in the controlled and regulated fishing of razor clams. Participation remained voluntary and was authorised under a scientific derogation. The trial operated around the Scottish coast at the same ten pre-designated sites, with catch and effort limits unchanged at 450 kg per day and 110 days at sea per year. A minimum conservation reference size of 100 mm for landing razor clams was maintained, although in practice participants often targeted larger clams to meet market demand.

The trial continued to collect scientific data to provide robust evidence to support effective and sustainable management of this fishery, while gathering a wide range of biological and fisheries information. The overarching objectives of the trial remain grouped into four categories: biological and ecological goals, economic goals, social goals, and best practice and management goals (Annex A).

The Marine Directorate (MD) continued to work collaboratively with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the Scottish Razor Clam Association (SRCA) (an association involving many trial participants), other trial participants and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

As stated in the previous annual report, this multi-agency collaboration resulted in the publication of the “Scottish scientific electrofishery for razor clams trial - biological and ecological goals: progress report - gov.scot” on 12 September 2024. The report provided further details on the data collection and analyses undertaken. Histological assessment indicated spawning activity in April and May, suggesting a seasonal closure was sensible. Stock assessments for Firth of Forth and Clyde reported sustainable exploitation levels, and mapping of the spatial footprint of the fishery was completed for all fished areas.

During the seventh year, the MD continued to engage closely with all trial participants, including those outside the SRCA. An open forum was maintained to ensure transparent communication and guarantee that every participant had direct access to the Scottish Government throughout the trial.