A vessel suspected of illegally fishing for razor clams in closed Scottish waters was caught by enforcement officers last week, confirmed Richard Lochhead, Scottish fisheries secretary.
The vessel was intercepted in an area of the Sound of Jura where it is illegal to collect or harvest specific types of shellfish, including razor clams, oysters and mussels, because the waters are not currently classified and the shellfish may not be fit for human consumption.
Marine Scotland officers seized razor clams worth an estimated GBP 4,000 (EUR 5,496; USD 6,224) in Far East markets.
The vessel is also suspected of using electrofishing methods that are not currently permitted in European waters without a specific derogation. The gear that was dumped overboard as officers approached the vessel has been recovered by divers.
Those caught face a fixed penalty of up to GBP 10,000 (EUR 13,741; USD 15,560) or prosecution through the courts.
“Scotland’s shellfish enjoys an enviable reputation for taste and quality here and around the world. Our razor clams are particularly in demand in the Far East and it is vital that our reputation is not damaged by produce caught in waters which have not been classified as fit for human consumption,” said Lochhead.
“Unsuspecting consumers could catch shellfish poisoning from eating the illegal razor clams from unclassified waters.”
Lochhead said the fishers would “not escape lightly’” and that the case should serve as a clear warning to others that continue to engage in illegal fishing that they should stop or risk being caught and facing serious consequences.
