Mass Die-Off of American Razor Clams Reported on Norderney's North Beach

Low water temperatures are causing a recurring phenomenon of razor clam deaths in the Wadden Sea, with similar events recorded in previous years.

Thousands of dead American razor clams (Ensis directus) have washed ashore on Norderney's North Beach, creating a striking scene for visitors.
The deaths are attributed to prolonged low water temperatures, which the species is particularly sensitive to compared to native clams.
This phenomenon is not uncommon in the Wadden Sea, typically occurring between late January and February during colder winters.
Similar mass die-offs were previously observed in 2021 and 2018, with other North Sea islands also experiencing such events.
The American razor clam is an introduced species first recorded in the North Sea in 1979, noted for its vulnerability to frost and colder conditions.