Manila Clam Trial

The Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is a high-value shellfish that has become ever more abundant in the Thames Estuary over the last few years. In order to assess the potential for the establishment of a viable future fishery, KEIFCA ran a trial to understand the impact and economic potential of different types of harvesting gear and operations. This trial took place over a month in October of 2024 and was a success, with significant amounts of data being collected. The results of the trial were discussed at the January 2025 Authority meeting and the Authority agreed to a 2025 trial fishery focussing on understanding how the fishery works and its impacts at a fleet level.

KEIFCA wants to work closely with the whole community on this project, and at their meeting on 27 March 2025 the Authority agreed to undertake a consultation with all stakeholders that expressed an interest in the 2024 Manila clam fishery trial. The consultation opened on the 3rd of April 2025 and closed on the 28th of April 2025 and sought feedback on: 

•        A proposed vision statement for the fishery

•        Outline of the proposed trial

•        Outline of the proposed application process

In total, KEIFCA received ten responses, seven of which were from businesses/ individuals that participated in the 2024 Manila clam trial

Building on feedback from the consultation, officers have developed an outline for a 2-year trial which at its meeting on 18 June 2025 was approved by the Authority Members.

The trial will begin on 4 November 2025 and will last for 6 weeks; Full details of the trial, including the areas and dates of the fishery can be found here. Results of the consultation can be found here

If you wish to apply to take part in the trial, please complete the application form. The allocation process document gives details of the scoring and weighting of scores, which will be useful to you when completing the application form. All those chosen to take part in the trial will be expected to adhere to a code of conduct

Completed application forms should be returned by email to info@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk by Monday 7th July 2025.  Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

If you would like to speak to a Fishery Officer about the trial or the application process, please call the Ramsgate office on 01843 585310