Commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current gear consultation: partial BRIA

2. Purpose and Intended Effect

2.1 Background

The Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government is consulting on views on the establishment of a commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current gear (after the completion of the electrofishing for razor clams scientific trial 2027).

This partial BRIA accompanies the consultation on a commercial razor clams using electric current gear.

2.2 Objective

The objective of this consultation is to establish the long-term status of fishing for razor clams in Scotland.

The Marine Directorate is seeking views in a public consultation on a number of options around whether a commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current gear should be established, based on the findings of the scientific trial.

We are seeking to consult on possible outcomes encompassing:

• Do nothing, the trial ends and catching and landing and sale of razor clams in Scotland would no longer be permitted. Other than small, scale hand gathering of clams for personal consumption, or a scientific trial authorised by Ministers, no other harvesting can occur.
• Establishing a limited commercial fishery
• An alternative scientific trial

Specific proposals (and some broader concepts) are detailed below for the future of razor clam fishing in Scotland.

The implementation of the razor clam trial, as determined through consultation, would comply with all relevant regulatory requirements and align with Scottish Government objectives.

2.3 Rationale for Government intervention

Scottish Ministers are one of the UK national fishing authorities and exercise their responsibilities under the Fisheries Act 2020 through the Marine Directorate. Ministers are committed to consulting with industry representatives, communities and others on how best to realise appropriate environmental, economic and social benefits in line the Fisheries Act 2020. The following National Performance Framework outcomes are supported by electrofishing for razor clams:

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

Fishing for razor clams using electric current presents an opportunity to the Scottish fishing industry and related coastal communities. Evidence in the trial indicates socio-economic benefits with relatively low environmental impact is possible therefore we seek views on a commercial fishery and how this may affect businesses and regulators.

2.3.1 Consultation Within Government

There have been discussions with various officials across the Scottish Government and other agencies.

2.3.2 Public Consultation

There have been discussions with trial participants and there is due to be further engagement as part of the consultation process.

A 12 week public consultation is scheduled to take place between 13 March and 5 June 2026.

2.3.3 Business

Businesses will be invited to respond to the public consultation. The Access to Sea Fisheries Team has an extensive network of points of contact to ensure that there will be a suitably broad level of business engagement.

Representatives of the fishers who participate in the trial will be contacted as part of the public consultation. As far as appropriate, policy and regulatory development arising from the consultation outcome will involve co-production in the development of any proposed legislation via their fisheries association and through public consultation. In particular The Scottish Razor Clam Association, whose fishermen predominantly participate in the trial, will be consulted. But opportunities for non-members and non-participants to contribute views will also be encouraged.