Commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current gear consultation: strategic environmental assessment screening
A screening determination report of the environmental effects associated with the outcomes expected from the planned consultation on a commercial fishery for razor clams in Scotland.
3. What prompted the plan
The Scottish scientific trial of fishing for razor clams using electric current was established in 2018 following a consultation and changes to the law to expressly prohibit commercial fishing for razor clams other than as part of a scientific investigation. That trial has led to findings that indicate sustainable fishing is possible and preferable to fishing for razor clams using other methods such as dredging.
The assimilated regulation (regulation 1241/2019) that is the basis for this arrangement makes it clear that any such scientific investigation be limited in time. This gives rise to the need to consult on onward options for fishing for razor clams and to bring the scientific trial as it is currently constituted to a close.