The current status for North Wales cockle beds are:
- Traeth Lafan open from 1 September 2025 until 30 March 2026
Traeth Lafan Cockle Fishery 2026: closure declaration - Traeth Melynog open from 11 November 2025 until 31 March 2026
Traeth Melynog Cockle Fishery 2026: closure declaration - Red Wharf Bay to remain closed until further notice
North Wales cockle beds are managed under The Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The new order came into force in 2024. It replaces
- The Cockles and Mussels (Specified Areas) (Wales) Order 2011
- Byelaw 47 of the former South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee.
Applicants must use our online service to apply for a cockle gathering permit and submit catch returns.