Mechanical harvesting - Intertidal shellfish
Issue
Mechanical harvesting of inter-tidal shellfish churns up the seabed habitat.
Risk
The limited damage over limited areas means this is not thought to be a significant issue.
Extent of the issue
Damage only occurrs in the limited areas where there is commercial harvesting of intertidal shellfish (mostly cockles).
Trends
Commercial harvest of intertidal shellfish has not grown significantly in recent years.
Current management
Mechanical harvesting of intertidal shellfish must avoid areas of seagrass. Because of the limited occurrence of and damage caused by mechanical harvesting, further management action is not considered necessary.
Future management
none currently highlighted
