| 28/12/2005
- Yesterday (Wednesday 14.12.05) Environment Agency Wales
carried out a large-scale enforcement operation to stop
illegal cockling on the Dee Estuary. The aim of the operation
was to provide a highly visible deterrent on the estuary
at all access points to and from the cockle fishery in the
Mostyn and Flint area. The
cockle fishery on the Dee Estuary is regulated by the
Agency and the fishery is currently closed until July
2006 at the earliest. A large team of Officers from the
Agency was deployed to intercept people attempting to
gather cockles and turn them away before any offences
were committed.
No offences were detected, however
a number of people were spoken to, to make sure they understood
the regulations protecting the cockles.
This operation was conducted with
the full support of North Wales Police, who provided officers
and air support. This excellent level of support ensured
the operation was a success.
Alan Winstone, an Agency Environment
Manager said: ' This was a highly successful operation
which achieved its objective of safeguarding the cockles
to ensure good cockle numbers in future years and to provide
food for birds this winter. Anyone who attempts to gather
cockles illegally is threatening the long-term viability
of the fishery and is putting their own lives at risk
by being out on the estuary in the dark. We will continue
to work with North Wales Police and other agencies to
ensure that this valuable fishery is protected.' |
