The following graph shows the biomass of size cockle for each bed, from 2017 to July 2024 for comparison. Bars framed in black indicate the bed was opened that year. Flookburgh, Leven and Pilling are the three beds up for consideration following the July survey results. Further information specific to these beds is provided below. For further information on Aldingham and Newbiggin and Middleton, please see the full survey results here: https://www.nw-ifca.gov.uk/app/uploads/Agenda-Item-6-Survey-and-Inspection-Report-August-2024.pdf Flookburgh / Leven July 2024 results Density of size on Flookburgh: 16 per m² Density of undersize: 24 per m² *please note Leven is proposed for opening due to it’s proximity to Flookburgh, to have clear enforcement bounds and because much of the bed has such low stock it is considered there is a low likelihood of being fished. The size composition of cockle is mixed across the bed, with many locations containing more than 50% undersize. The area is broadly split by a channel running from Grange-over-sands and out from Humphrey Head. The area is accessible by quadbike. There is a large amount of cockle approaching size. Figure 1. The composition of size classes of cockle per m² on Flookburgh. The numbers above the pie charts show the total number…

The consultation for the NWIFCA 2024/25 cockle open season dates has now closed Thank you to all those who participated and provided feedback to the Authority. The results of the consultation will be presented and discussed at the Technical Science and Byelaw meeting on March 6th, and will be made available on the website.

The NWIFCA consultation on the 2024/25 District cockle open season will close at 3pm on Friday 23rd February.  For those who would like to contribute to the consultation, please respond by filling in the questionnaire using the link below: For further information behind the consultation, and how the information you provide will be used please see:

Call to all Byelaw 3 permit holders, buyers and other relevant stakeholders to consult on the NWIFCA District’s cockle open season dates for 2024/25. NWIFCA is holding a consultation to determine the thoughts of Byelaw 3 permit holders, buyers and other relevant members of the industry on changing the District’s cockle fishery open season from the 1st  September- April 31st to the 1st July – 28th February for the 2024/25 season. The consultation offers the opportunity for industry members to provide the Authority with any additional information they believe to be relevant to this matter. Important background information At the Technical, Science and Byelaw meeting of the 15th August 2023, NWIFCA officers were asked to look into bringing forward the District’s cockle open season. Officers have investigated the possible options for doing this. Any change in the open season dates has implications on survey scheduling and HRA considerations. Any change will only apply to the 2024/25 cockle season at this time. How to participate in the consultation  Option 1: Attend an in-person meeting Officers will be holding three in-person meetings on: The 20th February at Regus House, Heron’s Way, Chester Business Park (CH4 9QR) from 9am to 5 pm. The 21st February…

National Cockle Fisheries Management Plan Consultation Event Tim Smith from the Association of IFCAs is holding an in-person event from 1pm to 3 pm at Truckhaven (Carnforth) on Wednesday the 17th of January to present the draft objectives for the National Cockle Fisheries Management Plan. We would like to welcome all interested stakeholders to the event. It is an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the plan’s objectives, and their potential implications during this consultation period. The stakeholders feedback will be reported back to Defra to assist with development of the plan. If you wish to attend, please can you register your interest by contacting NWIFCA at Email: [email protected] Tel: 01524 727 970  Further Information: The Association of IFCAs are Defra’s delivery partner for the English cockle Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), which is due for publication later this year.  The AIFCA have arranged a series of regional meetings at which stakeholders can learn more about how the cockle FMP will affect them and the fishery in their district and to ask any questions (please see background information below for further details on the English cockle FMP). For more information on Defras fisheries management plans please see: Fisheries management plans: policy information…