Morecambe Bay Cockle Fishery - Shellfish
Local Action Plan
SLDC has it's own action plan on how to deal with it's shellfish
beds. Potential actions involve preventing movement of affected
shellfish that does not meet food safety requirements.
Local Action Plan
update 2011
General information
Closure of the Morecambe Bay cockle fishery
2009/10
The cockle fishery is still closed until further notice. The
commencement of fishing normally begins on 1 September, however
this year, the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries
Committee's scientists are concerned that stocks are continuing to
decline from a relatively low level last year. Surveys in during
2009 have shown juvenile stocks which are not an adequate size to
be fished.
In view of this position, the Committee have closed the cockle
fishery from 1 September 2009 for fisheries management and
environmental protection until stocks have improved. The Committee
will continue monitoring the stocks and will review the closure
regularly. The closure of the fishery will be lifted as soon as the
state of the stocks allows.
Cockle and mussel permit holders should renew their permits as
usual to maintain their track record.
For closures and permit enquiries contact North Western and
North Wales Sea Fisheries on (01524) 68745 or refer to their
website
www.nwnwsfc.org
A map of the closed area is attached:
For advice of shellfish gathering and food safety requirements
contact
General information
Multi-agency Committees of the organisations listed below, in
Morecambe Bay and North Wales, are continuing to pool their
resources and powers to ensure the fisheries are as well managed as
possible. The regime in the NWNWSFC District has been improved in a
number of ways since the fisheries were last open.
- A new permit scheme has been introduced in 2007 by the NWNWSFC
under byelaw. Permits can generally only be issued to those who
held a permit in 2006-7. The byelaw also provides for 40 new
permits each year to allow new fishermen to enter the industry.
These 40 have been issued for 2007-8. The new permit scheme has had
the desired effect of reducing the number of permit holders from
1564 in 2006 to approximately 450 in 2007.
- All permit holders have completed a one day safety training
course for intertidal shellfish hand gathering. This course is
intended to ensure that all fishermen are better prepared for the
dangers and risks of fishing in intertidal areas such as Morecambe
Bay.
- The Gangmaster Licensing Authority has new duties to ensure
that shellfish industry is carried out without exploitation of
workers. New offences of fishing without a GLA licence came into
force on 1 April 2007 and GLA officers will be on duty to enforce
this legislation.
A valid, current NWNWSFC permit to fish for cockles and
mussels must be carried by all fishermen when fishing and made
available for inspection by Fishery Officers. Fishing without a
valid permit carries a maximum fine of £5000.
Only cockles above 20mm may be removed from the beach. It is
an offence to take undersize cockles with a maximum fine of £5000.
Fishery officers will check catches regularly. Bags containing
undersize cockles will be returned to the cockle beds. Officers
will prosecute if undersize cockles are taken. Riddling the cockles
with a riddle having bars with gaps of 20 mm is strongly
advised
Registration (Movement) documents issued by the Local
Authority must be completed for inspection. Currently the beds off
Aldingham, Newbiggin and around Leven Island are declassified
however classification will be determined for the new season.
All vehicles must be in full working order, used safely for
carriage of personnel and shellfish and carry Third Party
insurance. Tractors must have approved roll over protection
Boats
The use of boats may be the safest and most effective way to
access the cockle beds and transport the catch. Boats may be
inspected by MCA. Any boats used must be suitable for the purpose
and used within the appropriate coding guidelines. They must not be
overloaded with personnel or cockles. Appropriate lifejackets must
be worn by anyone using transport on or over water. See the HSE and
MCA websites for further details.
Access
Information on access points will be available when the
fishery re-opens.
Useful contacts
- North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee: 01524
68745
- Cumbria Police: 01229 848512
- Health and Safety Executive: 01524 598079
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency -Press office: 02380 839616
- Department for Work and Pensions: 01524 598079
- Gangmaster Licensing Authority Press Officer Tim Carter: 0115
900 8962
- Natural England: 01539 792800
- South Lakeland District Council: 01539 733333
- Lancaster City Council: 01524 582000
- Cefas Weymouth: 01305 206600