It’s that time of year again! We slip on our swimmers and thongs and head down to the lake to cool off. As the weather warms up, swimming, paddling and splashing around at the water’s edge become family favourites. But during the warmer months, members of our Lake Mac Parents group often report finding razor clams, also known as razor fish, hiding beneath the sand. And while they might look harmless, their sharp shells can give unsuspecting little (and big) feet a nasty, deep cut. So, before you dive in or start paddling, it’s time to learn more about Lake Macquarie’s secret foot-slicing residents!
The thing about the clam
Razor clams can be found throughout Lake Macquarie and can live up to 18 years, growing to around 50 centimetres. But did you know they can also move around the seabed? They spend much of their time buried beneath the sand or tucked into seagrass, often with their sharp, razor-like edge pointing upwards. While they might not be the most popular lake resident with barefoot swimmers and paddlers, razor clams play an important role in Lake Macquarie’s ecosystem. They are a natural part of the lake environment.
Is removal the right?
Dr Peter Macreadie, a marine ecologist, has raised concerns about removing razor clams from Lake Macquarie. He warns that completely removing a species from an ecosystem can have unintended consequences. History has shown us that interfering with natural ecosystems doesn’t always go to plan. Just think of cane toads! Rather than trying to remove every razor clam, the challenge is finding ways for us to safely share the lake with them while allowing these fascinating creatures to continue playing their role in the lake’s ecology.
Cleaning up the lake
A few years ago, we spoke with Lake Macquarie City Council to find out what the council does to maintain our lakeside swimming areas. Council takes a three-pronged approach to managing Belmont and Toronto baths, along with other areas designated for swimming. If you come across razor clams in a swimming area or have concerns about them, you can contact Lake Macquarie City Council for advice.
The annual clean
Commercial divers visit each swimming area each month to check for razor clams and blue-ringed octopus, helping keep designated swimming areas safer. At the end of each season, lifeguards also sweep and remove any they find. There’s also an annual clean, scheduled for October, to get the swimming areas ready for the busy summer months. As part of these regular clean-ups, divers also remove rubbish from the lake, including shopping trolleys, bikes and all sorts of other items that have found their way into the water.
Medical advice
An Emergency Doctor at Belmont Hospital gave valuable advice on what to do if you’re unlucky enough to suffer a cut from a razor clam. The first step is to apply firm pressure with a clean dressing to control any bleeding. If the wound is deep or the bleeding is difficult to stop, seek medical attention promptly at your nearest Emergency Department. For a more superficial cut, clean the wound thoroughly with clean running water, apply an appropriate dressing, and keep an eye on it as it heals. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or other signs of infection, see your GP for advice.
Prevention
The easiest way to protect your feet is to wear reef shoes or sturdy water shoes when swimming, paddling, or walking in shallow water. It’s especially important during the warmer months. Also keep an eye out for other lake residents, including the Blue Ring Octopus. Looking for somewhere to cool off? Check out our guide to beaches, caves and rock pools for more family-friendly spots to explore.
