THE Aberconwy MS, Janet Finch-Saunders, has shared her concerns that, for another year, an assessment of the Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr razor clam beds will not be completed.

Harvesting razor claims at both locations is banned until December 31, 2024.

Mrs Finch-Saunders made a statement in the Senedd on January 9 highlighting the incomplete assessment of razor clam beds in 2022.

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Extension agreed on razor clam harvest ban in Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr

She has previously written to Welsh Government to report the alleged harvesting of razor clams along the Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr beaches, in breach of prohibition orders.

Lesley Griffiths MS, minister for rural affairs, North Wales, and Trefnydd, responded by reiterating that “recreational razor clam fisheries at Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr have now been closed for a further 12 months, until midnight on December 31, 2024.”

There remains a call for further efforts to utilise this marine area and to avoid the illegal harvesting of the clams.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “I am extremely grateful to the minister for her response on this matter and working with me to address this.

“However, we are entering yet another year where a survey into the razor clam beds will not be completed.

“I have been campaigning for a number of years on this matter and still, Welsh Government are delaying and delaying this much-needed assessment.

“Meanwhile, several residents are reporting to me that at low tide people are going to the foreshore with buckets and illegally harvesting the clams.

“This unique marine area would be perfect for a PhD project for those studying at Bangor University, one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in the UK.

“I sincerely hope the minister reconsiders this decision, avoiding unnecessary dither and delay.

“Let's expedite the survey process to move forward and capitalise on the potential of this area. As it stands, it seems that the nature crisis in our sea is not being taken seriously.”

In response to Mrs Finch-Saunders’ comments, Welsh Government said no reports have been received of razor clam gathering for more than a year-and-a-half.

If illegal gathering is suspected, it can be reported to fisheries-intel@gov.wales.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have taken the decision to extend the closure of the recreational razor clam fishery at Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr for a further 12 months, until midnight on December 31, 2024.

“The continuing closure of the fishery assists the protection of several species of razor clams at these beaches until such time as the exact species present could be identified and their stock structures defined.

“We monitor the intertidal fisheries across the North Wales coast and will react and take action where illegal activity is detected.

“There have been no reports received of razor clam gathering at Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr for over 18 months.”