This page is dedicated solely to informing stakeholders about current and future consultations NWIFCA is running. The links to individual live consultations can be found under each heading.

Current Consultations

Dee Estuary Order

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and NWIFCA are inviting views from local communities, gatherers, and stakeholders as they prepare to apply for a new Regulating Order for the Dee Estuary cockle fishery.

Further information can be found via the link here.

To take part please follow the link here.

This consultation is open until 27th October 2025.

Byelaw 3 – Minimum Use Policy

The draft policy sets out a proposal to set minimum fishing thresholds for all Byelaw 3 permit holders, which would be determined by a small group of Authority members on an annual basis.

To view the draft policy, click here.

To take part in the consultation, click here.

This consultation is open until 4th January 2026.

Forthcoming Consultations

Byelaw 10 – Mobile Nets

An initial consultation seeking views on what stakeholders think about a potential new byelaw to regulate the use of commercial and recreational mobile nets within the district. Due to launch late 2025.

Byelaw 3 – Cockle Fisheries Management Plan

Launching at the end of October 2025, this four-month consultation will invite feedback on our draft Cockle Fisheries Management Plan, which outlines future potential management of the district’s cockle beds. We particularly welcome views from permitted fishers, who are among those most directly affected.

Byelaw 3 – Cockle Early Open Season Trial

Early in the new year, we will seek feedback on this year’s trial open season for cockles, during which some beds opened two months earlier than usual (July instead of September) and all will close two months earlier (February instead of April). Even if you did not fish this year due to external factors, we would still value your views on whether the Authority should retain this July–February season or return to the traditional September–April season.