The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2024
Introduction
The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2024 has been laid before Parliament and will come into force on 1 January 2025. The Order replaces the existing Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2014 and amends the cockle byelaws for the Thames Estuary.
Key Changes
The key changes introduced by the Order are as follows:
- The Order introduces a new minimum conservation reference size for cockles of 25mm. This means that it will be illegal to fish for or possess cockles below this size.
- The Order introduces a new daily catch limit of 100kg per vessel. This means that no vessel may land more than 100kg of cockles in any one day.
- The Order introduces a new closed season for cockles from 1 April to 30 September. This means that it will be illegal to fish for or possess cockles during this period.
- The Order introduces a new requirement for all cockle fishing vessels to be fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). This will allow the authorities to track the movements of cockle fishing vessels and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Background
The Thames Estuary is one of the most important cockle fisheries in the United Kingdom. Cockles are a valuable shellfish resource and support a significant fishing industry. However, the cockle stocks in the Thames Estuary have been declining in recent years due to a number of factors, including overfishing and habitat loss.
The new Order is designed to address these issues and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cockle fishery in the Thames Estuary. The new regulations will help to protect cockle stocks and ensure that the fishery is managed in a sustainable way.
Enforcement
The Order will be enforced by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO has a number of powers to enforce the Order, including the power to stop and inspect fishing vessels, seize illegal catches, and prosecute offenders.
Penalties
Penalties for breaching the Order may include fines and imprisonment.
Conclusion
The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2024 is a significant piece of legislation that will help to protect and manage the cockle fishery in the Thames Estuary. The new regulations will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery and support the fishing industry that depends on it.
The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2024
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