At a meeting of the Authority’s Technical, Science and Byelaw Sub-Committee (TSB) yesterday, members voted unanimously in favour of adopting a new ‘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. The relevant report paper can be viewed here and the minutes of yesterday’s meeting will be published on the same page in the coming weeks.

The policy will mean the Authority will decide each year whether or not to apply a minimum use threshold to Byelaw 3 permit holders who hand gather cockles and / or mussels across the district. The decision whether or not to apply this threshold will be taken annually by members and will be based on the fishing opportunities available to fishers during the season in question. A threshold will not necessarily be applied each year, particularly when cockle fishing opportunities have been non-existent, poor or unfavourable. If members do decide to apply one, they will then decide what this minimum threshold will be and permit holders not meeting this threshold will be notified that they will not be eligible to renew their permit for the following year. However, there will be provision for appeals to be made on specific grounds, such as illness, injury, or fishing other fisheries within the district.

Further details will be made available to Byelaw 3 permit holders over the coming months, when a final policy will be circulated. Please note, this policy will not apply to the current 2025/26 period, for which the cockle season ends at the end of February, but will apply from the 1st May 2026, with a minimum use threshold for 2026/27 being considered in early 2027. Affected permit holders will then be notified towards the end of the 2026/27 cockle season next year.

If you have any queries regarding this policy, please contact the Authority at [email protected].