Dee Estuary Cockle Fishery: New Regulating Order

Overview

Fersiwn Gymraeg

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is working in partnership with the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) to apply for a new Regulating Order for the Dee Estuary cockle fishery. This will replace the current Order introduced in 2008, which has transformed the area into one of the most sustainable cockle fisheries in Wales.

The new Order aims to build on this success and ensure the fishery remains sustainable, well-managed, and resilient - benefiting gatherers, local communities, and the environment for years to come.

Why a New Regulating Order Is Needed

• The current Regulating Order is due to expire in June 2028.
• Without a new Order, the fishery risks overharvesting, habitat degradation, and loss of ecological and community gains.
• A new Order provides a legal and operational framework for sustainable harvesting, habitat protection, and fair access to the fishery.

A Proven Model of Sustainable Fisheries Management

• Since 2008, the Dee Estuary cockle fishery has operated under a Regulating Order that has helped to:
  • End unsustainable boom-and-bust harvesting cycles.
  • Support 54 licensed gatherers and generate long-term economic benefits.
  • Restore and protect estuarine habitats and bird populations.
  • Earn Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification — a globally recognised mark of sustainability.

The proposed new Order builds on this successful foundation.

Securing the Future of the Fishery

The new Regulating Order will:

• Safeguard cockle stocks and fragile estuary habitats.
• Ensure continued fair and sustainable access for licensed gatherers.
• Provide long-term ecological, social, and economic benefits for local communities.
• Prevent a return to unmanaged exploitation that could harm people and nature alike.

The proposed new Order will complement national licensing by offering place-based protections tailored to the unique needs of the Dee Estuary.

Stronger Together – A Collaborative Approach

NRW and NWIFCA are combining their experience and expertise to:

• Provide consistent regulation and on-the-ground enforcement.
• Engage openly with gatherers, communities, and environmental stakeholders.
• Reflect both local and national priorities in future fishery management.
• Promote transparency, shared understanding, and joint decision-making.

Together, we aim to deliver a coordinated and inclusive management framework that reflects both local knowledge and national priorities.

What Happens Next

We are currently:

• Preparing the application for the new Regulating Order.
• Finalising the engagement materials, including a stakeholder survey, planned for September 2025.
• Working with partners and communities to shape a sustainable future for the Dee Estuary fishery.

Get Involved

We are committed to open and inclusive dialogue. If you are a:

• Licensed or prospective cockle gatherer
• Member of the local community
• Marine or environmental stakeholder
• Fisheries industry representative

...your views are important to us and will help shape the new Regulating Order.

Offer your views.