Razor clam trial: annual report 2023-2024

11. Annex A

Main objectives of the trial

The main goals of the trial can be divided into four broad categories:

Biological and Ecological Goals:

i. to gather local level information on razor clam populations and stocks, including accurate data gathered by trial participants to supplement stock survey work;

ii. to ensure sustainable harvesting levels; and,

iii. to gather further information about the impacts of the electrofishing method on target and non-target species.

Economic Goals:

i. to develop understanding of the economic benefits that can be achieved for Scotland and its local coastal communities through an electro fishery for razor clams;

ii. to support the Scottish inshore fishing sector, in particular diversification opportunities for the sector; and,

iii. to support Scottish based businesses associated with the inshore fishing sector.

Social Goals:

i. to support economic activity in Scottish coastal communities with benefits of the trial delivered locally.

Best Practice and Management Goals:

i. to develop the operational measures required for a sustainable fishery;

ii. to ensure that trial participants are always compliant with its terms and conditions at all times;

iii. to ensure that shellfish harvesting is safe and compliant with all relevant regulations; and,

iv. to encourage good stewardship amongst trial participants.

1 ‘Active vessels’ refers to any vessel that was part of the trial and caught any amount of razor clams during 2023. This includes vessels that left or joined the trial at any point during the 2023 calendar year.