Ecosystem and Habitat Interactions

By-Catch

There is no by-catch in this fishery as Vongole (Katelysia scalarina) clams are harvested by hand.

Threatened, Endangered or Protected Species Interactions (TEPs)

Interactions with threatened, endangered or protected species and the vessel or dive gear are possible although the same gear has been assessed as negligible risk in abalone fishing.

Habitat Interaction

Interaction between the habitat and fishery is limited to catch bags and considered negligible risk.

Environmental Variability

The vongole clam stock is vulnerable to changed environmental conditions. Environmental processes, especially freshwater pulses, have altered the recruitment cycle and increased natural mortality to atypical levels resulting in a decline in productivity.