DEE ESTUARY COCKLE
ONE OF THE UK'S LARGEST COCKLE FISHERIES
The Dee Estuary and Burry Inlet cockle fisheries are now certified under the same MSC certificate. Cockles are burrowing bivalve shellfish, found on all British and European coasts. They are common in intertidal areas and shallow waters. Cockles live within a few centimetres of the surface. Their lifespan is typically 2-4 years and they spawn at around 18 months.
Around 50 licensed gatherers rake the cockles from the mud and/or use a jumbo (a tool with a flat base and vertical handle which is used to bring cockles to the surface) at low tide. Any undersized cockles are returned to the mud to be reburied. Harvesting takes place from 1st July until 31st December each year.
The fishery was first certified in 2012, with the assessment team describing the fishery as a “well-managed, small and discrete fishery with low environmental impact”. A new quota system was introduced by Environment Agency Wales, the fishery client, in 2008. The system ensures a stable oyster population, protecting the livelihoods of the 50 licensed cockle pickers as well as the future of local oystercatcher populations.
"At a time when external pressures have posed a challenge to the shellfish industry, we are delighted to continue harvesting and supplying certified sustainable cockles to markets at home and overseas"
COCKLES: DIVE DEEPER
To find out more about the lives of the dee estuary's cockle harvesters, to see cockle recipes or contact the fishery check out these resources
See the factsheet
See the factsheet
Seafood pizza recipe
Seafood pizza recipe
Read about how the fishery is managed
Read about how the fishery is managed
BUY MSC CERTIFIED COCKLES
MSC labelled cockles are sold in the United Kingdom, the United States and across northern Europe.
CONTACT THE FISHERY
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