Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) are inviting people with an interest in the Dee Estuary cockle fishery to attend a series of engagement events to discuss proposals for its future management.
The two organisations are working together to apply for a new Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order, which will replace the current Order introduced in 2008.
The existing Regulating Order has played an important role in transforming the Dee Estuary into one of the most sustainably managed cockle fisheries in the UK. The proposed replacement aims to build on that success by ensuring the fishery remains sustainable, well managed and resilient for future generations.
The new Order would continue to support cockle gatherers, local communities and the natural environment by providing a clear legal and operational framework for sustainable harvesting, habitat protection and fair access to the fishery.
The current Regulating Order is due to expire in June 2028. NRW and NWIFCA say that without a replacement there is an increased risk of overharvesting, damage to important habitats and the loss of the environmental, social and economic benefits linked to the fishery.
A series of stakeholder engagement sessions will take place during August, giving members of the public, businesses and organisations the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and share their views with the project team.
The sessions will be held at:
Thursday 6 August – Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
The Old Police Room (Room 4), Victoria Hall, Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6DP
Wednesday 12 August – Greenfield, Flintshire
Victorian Schoolroom, Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, Greenfield Road, Greenfield, Holywell, CH8 7GH
Wednesday 19 August – Wallasey, Merseyside
Wallasey Beach CIC, Coastal Drive, Wallasey, CH45 3PZ
Wednesday 26 August – Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
Furnace Hall, Furnace Community Hall, 51 Stradey Road, Llanelli, SA15 4ET
Stuart Thomas, Team Leader for Marine Sustainable Management at NRW, said the Dee Estuary cockle fishery is recognised as one of the best-managed fisheries of its kind in the UK.
He said: “We encourage anyone with an interest in the fishery to take part in these engagement sessions and help shape proposals that will support its long-term sustainability and benefits for both people and nature.”
Mark Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at NWIFCA, said feedback from stakeholders would help shape effective and sustainable management of the fishery under the proposed new Regulating Order.
He said: “North Western IFCA encourages everyone with an interest in the Dee Estuary cockle fishery to come along to one of these events and share their views. Your feedback will help NWIFCA and NRW develop effective, sustainable management of the fishery under the proposed new Regulating Order.”
Anyone wishing to attend one of the engagement sessions is asked to book a slot in advance by contacting the NWIFCA office on 01524 727970 or by emailing office@nw-ifca.gov.uk.
The sessions are available by pre-booked appointment only, with 45-minute slots available on the hour from 10am.
While face-to-face sessions are encouraged where possible, feedback can also be submitted by email to deecockleregulatingorder@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.
Further information about the Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order is available from Natural Resources Wales and the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.