New population of razor clams discovered in the Azores

The MARE researcher Gisela Dionísio co-authored the article ‘Grooved razor clam (Solen marginatus) in the mid-Atlantic Azores: unravelling ecology, phylogeny, and population biology of a new population’, recently published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. The article describes a new population of razor clams (Solen marginatus) discovered in the Azores archipelago. 

Razor clams are a marine bivalve of ecological and economic importance in Portugal. This bivalve inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in the intertidal zones and is part of the marine fauna of the Azores, being present on the islands of São Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira.

In 2023, a team of researchers from MARE, AtlanticNaturalist.org, Ecoceanus and the Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) discovered a new population of razor clams in Praia da Vitória Bay, on Terceira Island. ‘Found in the sheltered area to the north of the bay, these molluscs live in high densities at depths of up to 14 metres. Based on the size and distribution of the shells, we estimate that this population was colonised more than 20 years ago!’ researcher Gisela Dionísio told MARE.

Genetic analyses of individuals from this population have shown a strong link to populations from the Ria de Aveiro (northern mainland Portugal) and Asturias (northern Spain). Despite this, its origin remains undetermined, with anthropogenic introduction and the natural dispersal of these animals being the most likely causes. 
Due to the commercial value of this species, it will be possible to develop a new clam fishery in the area, which requires further studies and immediate conservation measures. According to the MARE researcher, due to its high commercial value, ‘we must act now to protect this potential fishing resource’.

This research was supported by the start-up MARE Naturalist Science & Tourism, which presents an alternative to funding research: harnessing the power of eco-tourism.

To read the article click HERE

(Cover photo taken from Pngtree)