Have your say on plans to secure the future of the Dee Estuary cockle fishery
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) are inviting stakeholders to attend a series of engagement events to discuss proposals for a new Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order.
The organisations are working together to apply for a new Regulating Order that will replace the current Order introduced in 2008. The existing Order has helped transform the Dee Estuary into one of the most sustainably managed cockle fisheries in the UK.
The proposed new Order aims to build on that success and ensure the fishery remains sustainable, well managed and resilient for future generations, while continuing to benefit cockle gatherers, local communities and the natural environment.
The current Regulating Order is due to expire in June 2028. Without a replacement, there is an increased risk of overharvesting, habitat degradation and the loss of important environmental, social and economic benefits. A new Order would provide the legal and operational framework needed to support sustainable harvesting, protect habitats and ensure fair access to the fishery.
A series of stakeholder engagement sessions will be held during August to give people the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and share their views with the project team.
The sessions will take place 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, Marine Sustainable Management for NRW, said:
“The Dee Estuary cockle fishery is recognised as one of the best-managed fisheries of its kind in the UK. 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:
“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.”
Stakeholders who wish to attend are asked to book a slot in advance by contacting the NWIFCA office on 01524 727970 or emailing office@nw-ifca.gov.uk. Sessions are available by pre-booked appointment only, with 45-minute slots available on the hour from 10:00am.
While we encourage participation through the face-to-face engagement sessions where possible, feedback can also be submitted via email to deecockleregulatingorder@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.
Further information about the Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulating Order.