The International Manila and European Clams Conference: Euro‐Mediterranean overview and future directions to support sustainable clam fisheries

The SYMPA symposium was initiated to improve knowledge and promote information exchange among stakeholders involved in clam fisheries and aquacultures. This initiative addressed the lack of coordinated research networks focused on European marine bivalves; a critical gap identified through two decades of research on clams. During the symposium, research highlighted the ecological and socio‐economic importance of the clam resources, primarily represented by the two key species Ruditapes philippinarum and Ruditapes decussatus, using a wide range of methodologies and providing integrative insights into population dynamics, ecosystem interactions, and combined fishery‐aquaculture applications. In the current context of declining stocks at several major European production sites, such a framework for scientific dialogue and knowledge dissemination is essential, as it supports evidence‐based decision‐making by resource managers and policymakers. Future directions proposed during the symposium highlight the necessity of adopting multidisciplinary and participatory approaches to ensure the sustainable management of clam populations. The establishment of a dedicated research network on clams would contribute to harmonize methodologies, enhance data sharing and interoperability, and underpin science‐based conservation and fisheries management.