Cockle fishermen face regulation

May 30 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

Cockle fishermen face regulation

PEOPLE who are interested in cockle fishing in the Dee estuary are being asked to contact the Environment Agency.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Welsh ministers are considering whether to make an order giving the agency the right to regulate cockle fishing on the river.

The order has yet to be confirmed but the agency says if it is made prior to or early in the fishing season, which starts on July 1 each year, it intends to implement it as soon as it is able to do so.

This would enable it to develop a sustainable fishery providing a consistent, regular income for fishermen.

It would also help to minimise the effects on the estuary and on local residents arising from fishing activities and improve fishery management.