AGENCY CATCH A BOAT-LOAD OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL COCKLERS

02/02/2006 - Five suspected illegal cocklers have been caught in the Greenfield area on the Dee Estuary. Environment Agency Wales, working with North Wales Police carried out the operation last Friday (6.01.06). A police helicopter detected a small boat in the estuary, suspected of being used to harvest cockles illegally. The helicopter was able to show Agency officers the location of the small boat using their searchlight and were able to film the activity using the on-board cameras. The boat and two outboard engines were seized when it came ashore at Greenfield Dock.

The purpose of the operation was to provide a highly visible deterrent in response to the continuing illegal cockling on the Dee Estuary. This operation was conducted with the full support of North Wales Police, who provided officers and air support.

Alan Winstone, the Agency’s Environment Manager for the area said: 'This latest incident demonstrates that people who illegally gather cockles from the estuary at night, not only put their own safety at risk but will also face being caught and prosecuted. We will remain vigilant with the support of North Wales Police to protect the cockle populations, to ensure that this important fishery is protected.'