Cockle management measures 2025: summary of responses

Under the provisions of The Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024, Welsh Government is able to introduce adaptive management measures to help conserve the Welsh cockle fishery and to charge a permit fee.

This consultation was launched to collect feedback and assess public opinion on increasing the permit fee and the introduction of new proposed management measures, the intention of which is to:

• increase the permit fee from £250 to £350
• introduce a blanket daily catch limit of 300kg on all Welsh cockle beds
• standardise the size of cockle sacks the gatherers use
• introduce identification tags for the sacks the gatherers use.

The consultation commenced on 17^th March 2025 and closed on 31^st March 2025.

The consultation was shared with known stakeholders, including cockle gatherers and processors, by email and via the Welsh Government consultations web page.

Respondents were able to respond by email or providing a written response.

Welsh Government would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit their views and respond to the consultation, all responses will be considered before the proposals are introduced.

32 responses were received from individuals who have an interest in the Welsh cockle industry.

Broadly the 32 responses can be grouped into the following opinions:

a) The permit fee increase was acceptable.

b) Respondents were in favour of a daily catch limit in theory; however, many believed it should be higher than the proposed 300kg.

c) A majority disagreed with the standardised bags dimensions as 50kg would be too heavy for health and safety requirements. Similarly to the daily catch limit, several gatherers expressed they agreed with the idea in general but not for sacks this heavy.

d) Generally, respondents were in favour of tags to link catches to individual permit holders.

The responses were summarised with those in favour or against the points listed below-

Increase the permit fee from £250 to £350

For-17

Against-8

Introduce a blanket daily catch limit of 300kg on all Welsh cockle beds.

For-8

Against-20

Standardise the size of cockle sacks the gatherers use to 50kg

For-3

Against-20

Introduce identification tags for the sacks the gatherers use

For-11

Against-5

Not all responses targeted all four issues, so for and against numbers do not match the total response figure in all cases. Additional comments were made that were relating to the fishery but outside the scope of the consultation. These additional comments followed similar themes, bringing up issues with poaching and financial viability of fishing most commonly. 

The consultation consisted of a request for comments on the proposals put forward on cockle management measures. 

As a result of the responses, we shall be implementing the following changes:

a) The permit fee for the 2025/26 cockle season will be £350.

b) The daily catch limit will be increased to 350kg, this is a default limit, however, should there be necessity this limit can be increased or decreased, depending on stock availability and to ensure future sustainability of the fisheries.

c) The size of cockle sacks to be used will be reduced to 25kg.

d) Identification tags for all sacks will be introduced.

Welsh Government policy officials have considered all responses and comments which were received. Officials will now prepare a brief for the Minister on the results. 

This document is for information only.

Large print, Braille and alternative language versions of this document are available on request.

Contact details

For further information:
Fisheries Division
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Email: fisheries@gov.wales

Additional copies

This summary of response and copies of all the consultation documentation are published in electronic form only and can be accessed on the Welsh Government’s website.

This document is also available in Welsh.

Number: WG52022

ISBN 978-1-83715-538-5