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Razor clam

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General

Shellfish

Shellfish is a culinary term that is often used for several species of molluscs, gastropods, bivalves and arthropods. Some examples are the St. James shell, mussels, razor clams, oysters, cockles and whelks. Most shellfish live partly or fully buried into the seabed, mostly in sandy or gravelly bottoms. They feed by filtering nutrients out of the water. Seed and eggs are released into the water and fertilized externally. Most shellfish are hermaphroditic, they can be both male and female. There are many different shellfish species in the North Sea that are very much suitable for consumption. Fishing methods on shellfish include hand-picking, dredging or mechanic dredges (suckers).

 

Razor clam

The Ensis genus houses many bivalve species and is also referred to as razor clam or sword razor. Species of the Ensisgenus can be found along the entire European coastline. The American jackknife clam is the most common razor clam species which can be found along the Dutch coast. This species is originally found near western Atlantic coastlines but has been introduced in the North Sea via ballast water. Razor clams are bivalves with an oblong, rectangular shell and often live buried in the sand at depths of up to 50 centimetres. Razor clam species usually occur aggregated in large numbers. They also have very welldeveloped swimming skills; they swim by pushing water out of their shell.  

 

Razor clam

Ensis spp.
Origin

North Sea (FAO 27)

Farming- / Catch method

Mechanic dredges

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Razor clam

Ensis spp.
Origin

North Sea (FAO 27)

Farming- / Catch method

Hand collection

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Fish stocks and fishing pressure
Ecosystem effects
Fishery management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

Despite the high economic importance of this species, no stock estimateStock estimate:
Estimating the number of fish of a particular species who are reproducing in the same spawning area in the same period.  
has been conducted. However, other data indicate that the stockStock:
The fish of a particular species reproducing in the same area in the same period. 
has fluctuated around a level consistent with a biologically safe limit.

Some of the razor clams are hand collected. In shellfish harvesting, no bycatchBycatch:
Species caught next to species targeted for fishery. By-catches can consist of non-commercial species and species that are too small, and can be kept (this part is sometimes called by-product) or thrown back into the sea (discards). 
occurs and can be fished very [selectively]. This method causes no negative effects on the ecosystem and habitat. However, undersizedUndersized fish:
Fish smaller than a prescribed minimum size. These sizes are determined per species and per country. For Europe, a minimum landing size applies to all EU Member States. 
razor shells are often harvested.

The managementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured.
of the razor clam fishery from Europe is not sufficient. A minimum landing sizeLanding size:
The length of the landed fish.
is set (of 10cm), but there are no other measures. There is sometimes local management, such as gear regulations, closed areas and seasons, or daily catch limits. Especially problematic is the harvesting of undersizedUndersized fish:
Fish smaller than a prescribed minimum size. These sizes are determined per species and per country. For Europe, a minimum landing size applies to all EU Member States. 
razor clams and illegal fishing. ManagementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured.
of this species is partially effective.

ASC label

Fish with the ASC label is farmed in a sustainable manner.

MSC label

Fish with the MSC label is caught sustainably.

Good fish

This fish is not being overfished or is being responsibly farmed, with minimal impact on the environment.

Second choice

This fish is a second choice. There are still some improvements to be made in this fishery or fish farm.

Avoid

Do not buy this fish. It's being overfished or the way it's farmed or caught has a negative impact on the environment.

Welfare

There is fish available of this species that is farmed or caught using high welfare standards.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. certified farms are doing a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability. A few species with this label are getting a better score on the VISwijzer.

Organic

Organic standards are the strictest when it comes to fish feed. They also require certain measures for animal well-being.

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