It’s that time of year again. We slip on our swimmers and thongs and head down to the lake to cool down. With the weather warming up, going for a swim, or having a paddle at the water’s edge is becoming popular. However, in recent weeks, we’ve been alerted by the parents in our Lake Mac Parents group, that once again they are finding razor clams. Also known as razor fish, these clams are hidden under the sand. With such a high risk of our unsuspecting feet receiving a sharp and deep cut, it’s time to learn more about our secret foot slicing resident!
Did you know…
Razor clams can be found all over Lake Macquarie. They have a long life span of up to 18 years and can grow up to 50 centimetres in length. Did you know that razor clams move around the seabed? They lie buried in the sand or seagrass with their sharp, razor-like edge facing upwards. While razor clams may be unpopular with swimmers or people taking a stroll barefoot along the water’s edge, they are an important part of the ecology of the lake.
Dr Peter Macreadie, a marine ecologist, believes that removing all of the razor clams from the lake could cause a catastrophe. He reminds us that when we’ve introduced or removed species from nature in the past this typically does not work well. Think cane toads! We have to find a way to live with them while letting them continue to be a part of the ecology of the lake.
Cleaning up the lake
We spoke to Paul Mace at Lake Macquarie City Council to find out what the council is doing to maintain our lakeside swimming areas. Lake Mac Council has a three-pronged approach to Belmont and Toronto baths, as well as other areas that are designated for swimming.
Commercial divers visit each area once a month to sweep for razor clams and blue-ringed octopus. At the end of each season, lifeguards will also do a sweep and remove any they find. There’s also an annual clean which is due this year in the third week of October. This is to prepare the swimming areas ready for summer. As part of these regular cleans, all rubbish is also removed. These include things like shopping trolleys, bikes, and other bits and pieces that are found dumped in our lake.
If you find razor clams in the lake you can contact Lake Macquarie council on (02) 4921 0333.
Medical advice if you encounter a razor clam
An Emergency Doctor at Belmont Hospital provided valuable first-hand advice on what to do. The best thing to do, says the Doctor, is to apply a pressure dressing on the wound. If it’s a deep laceration, you should head straight to your nearest Emergency Department. However, if it’s a superficial wound, the wound needs to be cleaned well and dressed properly. If it starts to become infected get that foot straight to your local doctor’s surgery for a GP to check out.
Be careful this year as you head out into the lake. It’s always advisable to put a pair of reef shoes on to protect your feet. For more information on great places to swim safely check out our pools, beaches, and baths.
References:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-03/lake-macquarie-razor-clams/5183012
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-04/razor-clam-fears-at-nsw-beaches/10685248
