Fishermen have welcomed a study that has found the use of electric current in fishing for razor clams does not cause the environmental damage widely feared.
Razor clams are a gastronomic delicacy, which can attract high prices in Europe and the Far East.
This electro-fishing, which involves electrodes that make the clams appear from the seabed to be collected by divers, has been outlawed by Europe since 1998.
But a report from Marine Scotland says the research justifies consideration of electro-fishing as "a viable fishing method for the commercial razor clam fishery in Scotland within sustainable limits."
The study looked at species that might have been harmed by electro-fishing: crabs (predominantly hermit crabs), flatfish and sandeels.
No mortalities were recorded as a direct result of the fishing equipment or electric field generated and any induced behavioural responses were exhibited for a maximum of 10 minutes following exposure. However, the stunned animals may be vulnerable to predation.
But it continues: "Tank trials indicated exposure to an electric field typical of that generated through electro-fishing by the vessels involved in this project did not affect short term (five days) survival in razor clams, surf clams, starfish or hermit crabs."
It found: "These results suggest electro-fishing for razor clams does not have immediate or short term lethal effects, or prolonged behavioural effects, on vertebrate or invertebrate species exposed to the electric field generated."
It suggests further research to determine medium and long term effects, as well as into sustainability.
The authors recommend the next stage should be assessments of the size of razor clam stocks, as a step towards the development of a sustainable fishery scaled to the size of the resource.
Now the Scottish Razor Clam Fisherman's Forum wants the Scottish Government to use the document to seek a derogation from the European Commission on electro-fishing, similar to that enjoyed by 80 Dutch beam trawlers.
John Grieve, owner of Loch Leven Seafood and director of the Razor Clam Fisherman's Forum, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years, said the report should put to rest the "over the top sensationalistic" claims of the environmental damage that would be done by electro-fishing and the danger it posed to operatives.
He said: "Our argument is that, along with scallop diving, it is the least destructive of any fishing method, particularly when you compare it to dredging for clams or trawling for prawns. Even with creel fishing, which is considered very benign, otters can get caught."
He said the collateral damage done by electro-fishing was negligible in comparison.
"As an industry we are now pushing Marine Scotland or the Scottish Government to go to Europe for a derogation to bring us into line with Holland. A Scottish Government spokesman said the report was the first stage in assessing the potential impact of this method of fishing on the target species and the wider marine environment.
He added: "Further work is required in determining current stocks of razors and what appropriate levels of effort might apply in managing a sustainable fishery."
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