COCKLING beds on the Dee Estuary have been opened early to prevent the deaths of thousands of cockles.

The Environment Agency Wales took the decision to open the beds for six days following concerns that densely-packed smaller cockles might not survive after the warm weather. The agency is allowing 60 tonnes of the smaller cockles to be harvested which would fetch around £200 per tonne, compared to an average price of £450 per tonne. The Agency hope that the cockles left behind will then have more room to grow. Plans are also in place for the beds to then fully open as normal on July 1. This will be the first time the fishery will have opened fully for three years in a row for more than 20 years.

David Edwell, North Wales Manager for Environment Agency Wales, said:

“This action is vital as we do not want to see cockles struggling for space, especially in this heat. This will ease the pressure and give the cocklers an early financial boost ahead of the season.

“The fact we are gearing up for another open season for the fishery this year is also good news. Although the numbers of the bigger cockles are down at the moment, the early signs are that it will be a better year next year. We could also see these smaller, one year old cockles being ready for harvest later in the season.

“This is all part of managing this fishery properly so the cocklers get a good, regular income from the beds.”