Officers have been closely monitoring the temperatures at Marshside, Southport where the Penfold cockle fishery operates. The recent cold weather did not make the threshold stipulated in the NWIFCA Cold Weather Protocol. 56.75hours below zero were recorded at or below zero since 01:30 on the 28th Nov. This was very close to the 60 hours which would trigger a suspension and is pleasing to see warmer temperatures. The fishery will be open as normal tomorrow 4th December. Officers will continue to monitor the weather throughout the winter in accordance with the protocol in place.