34 dredge deployments were made in February 2010 to survey razor clam populations north of Walney Island. The survey, conducted by the Fisheries Science Partnership using the vessel Lord Sam II, aimed to assess commercial viability. Catches of the razor clam Ensis siliqua averaged ~5kg per successful haul, with a modal adult shell length of 185 mm.
Use Cases
- Assessing commercial viability of razor clam stocks based on catch biomass and size distribution.
- Studying population recruitment patterns based on the presence of young animals from multiple year classes.
- Analyzing by-catch composition, including species like the heart urchin Echinocardium cordatum.
- Evaluating the performance of the Seafish/Cefas experimental water-jet dredge gear in survey conditions.
Strengths
- Survey includes 34 dredge deployments providing multiple sampling points.
- Catches included detailed biological metrics, such as a modal adult shell length of 185 mm.
- Description notes the presence of young animals from at least two year classes, indicating data on recruitment.
Limitations
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- The survey was delayed by inclement weather and gear problems, which may have affected sampling consistency.
Provenance
- Source
- Marine Environmental Data & Information Network
- Collection Method
- Survey conducted from the chartered fishing vessel Lord Sam II using an experimental water-jet dredge.
- Time Range
- 2009/10, completed in February 2010.
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-04-29 19:15:32.750790; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Eastern Irish Sea, Cumbrian coast north of Walney Island.