Razor clam trial: annual report 2023-2024
A progress update report on the electrofishing for razor clams scientific trial from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024.
3. Food Standards Scotland (FSS)
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the Competent Authority responsible for undertaking Official Controls (OCs) to determine the safety of marine waters used for the harvesting of live bivalve molluscs (LBMs) in Scotland. FSS continued to support the trial by only classifying/monitoring razor clam harvesting areas that sit within MD’s designated trial zones.
It should be noted that during the year, FSS did receive a couple of requests from harvesters to expand their areas. After review, it was identified that the proposed expansion would have taken the classified area boundary outside of the designated MD trial zones. As per the trial’s requirements, these requests were declined by FSS, and the harvesters were directed to liaise with MD to discuss the potential expansion of the zone boundaries.
Looking at the number of areas monitored by FSS, it has been a very stable period of razor classifications this year. As a continuation on the previous year, FSS monitored 19 razor areas, with very few occurrences of fishing out-with the classification area boundaries observed. Any breaches were highlighted in a timely manner, with MD and FSS working together to solve any issues.