This page is dedicated solely to updating stakeholders on our cockle fisheries.

20th March 2026

NWIFCA trialed an earlier opening of the cockle fishing season—from 1 July to the end of February—during the 2025/26 season.

A public consultation was subsequently conducted to gather stakeholder views on whether this earlier opening period should be adopted on a permanent basis. The findings of the consultation were presented to Authority Members at the Extraordinary Technical Sub-Committee meeting held on 19 March.

Following consideration of the results, Members resolved to retain the existing cockle fishing season dates of 1 September to 30 April, as set out in current Byelaw 3.

28th February 2026

All cockle beds are now closed under NWIFCA Byelaw 3 paragraph 15.

17th February 2026

A reminder to all permit holders that Morecambe Bay Cockle fisheries will close on 28th February 2026.

Last full day for fishing will be Friday 27th February 2026.

10th February 2026

Member of the TSB committee voted in favour of adopting the Minimum Use Policy for Byelaw 3 (Cockle and Mussel) permit holders. This vote came after consultation with stakeholders, the results of which were presented to members in yesterday’s meeting. You can view the relevant report papers here.

TSB Meeting 10th February 2026

To view updates for individual fisheries, please click the links below.