The U.K.'s Dee Estuary cockle fishery has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council certification.
The auditors described the fishery as “a well-managed, small and discrete fishery with low environmental impact,” and noted the fishery’s management techniques to ensure that enough cockles are left to provide food for the region's distinctive oystercatchers.
Through careful regulation, Environment Agency Wales ensures that the fishery continues to provide a sustainable livelihood for the 50 licensed cockle pickers who must adhere to strict operating procedures. The pickers can gather up to 300 kilograms of cockles daily, making the fishery economically viable and environmentally sustainable and stabilizing the cockle population in the estuary.
“The Dee Estuary cockle fishery plays a vital role in boosting the local economy and providing employment to local fishermen,” said Rick Prichard of Environment Agency Wales. “Obtaining this certificate acknowledges the work the agency has done in introducing a licensing system that maintains cockle pickers’ livelihood and ensures that cockles are gathered sustainable without damaging the environment.”
“This certification of the Dee Estuary cockle fishery is a great example of how good fishery management can bring about real environmental and economic benefits. By recognizing the need for a limit on fishing effort – and thus the number of licenses – in a way that protects cockle pickers’ livelihoods and the local oyster catchers, Environment Agency Wales has turned a boom-and-bust fishery into one that is well managed and sustainable,” said Claire Pecod, MSC fisheries outreach manager. “That’s great news for the fishery, for the local area and for cockle lovers everywhere.”
