UK: Securing a sustainable future for Wales’ cockle fishing heritage

Securing a Sustainable future for Wales’ cockle fishing heritage. New legislation has come into force which help to ensure cockle fisheries in Wales remain environmentally sustainable and economically viable for the future. The Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024 will simplify regulations and give the Welsh Government new tools to flexibly manage each cockle fishery in response to evidence about the health of the stock and the environment. Cockle gathering has a long and well-documented history in Wales. In modern times its economic importance has increased, and it is now acknowledged as making an important contribution to the Welsh fishing industry. Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the introduction of this new legislation which will help to ensure cockle fisheries in Wales remain environmentally sustainable and economically viable for the future. ...