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.