Finnie reinforces protection for Solway cockles – Fishupdate.com

Finnie reinforces protection for Solway cockles Published:  09 March, 2005

Ross Finnie, Minister for Environment and Rural Development, today took steps to strengthen protection of cockle beds in the Solway Firth.

The Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing for Cockles) (Scotland)

Amendment Order 2005 comes into force today wednesday.

Mr Finnie said:

“Fishing for cockles, by any method, is prohibited in the Scottish Solway Firth. This Order reinforces the illegality of cockle fishing there.

“I understand the frustration that fishermen in the Solway feel. The Solway cockle stocks were severely depleted in the 1990s, and since then they have been slowly recovering.

“However, cockle fishing activity is prohibited. Anyone buying or

transporting cockles should be aware that the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency will be inspecting vehicles and premises and may seize any cockles they have reason to believe are taken from the closed area.”

Following devolution, the definition of Scottish inshore waters in the

Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984 was revised. A potential inconsistency

between the definition of the prohibited area and the definition of Scottish

inshore waters has been identified. The Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing for Cockles) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2005 ensures that the definitions are consistent.

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