Razor clams are harvested by suction dredging and hand collection. Their welfare during commercial harvesting and developing aquaculture requires consideration under precautionary sentience frameworks.
Razor clam welfare considerations are emerging alongside broader bivalve sentience research. Their rapid, strong withdrawal response to any disturbance at the sediment surface indicates functional sensory capacity. Commercial suction dredging causes physical damage through the mechanical action and sudden change in pressure. Live transport and storage causes temperature and oxygen stress. Applying precautionary welfare standards to minimise handling time and maintain appropriate environmental conditions during transport is consistent with current bivalve welfare science.