Cockle pickers set for 2015 date

Cockle picking in Fylde could be delayed until 2015 after it was revealed the coastline’s supplies have yet to recover from this year’s fishing.
Cocklers, pictured in Lytham foreshore in 2012, may have to wait until 2015 to fish the coastCocklers, pictured in Lytham foreshore in 2012, may have to wait until 2015 to fish the coast
Cocklers, pictured in Lytham foreshore in 2012, may have to wait until 2015 to fish the coast

Dr Stephen Atkins, the head of the North Western Inshore Fisheries Agency and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) said tests have shown the Foulnaze bed off Lytham foreshore has not recovered sufficiently after picking this year.

He added: “When we left the site at the end of October the stocks were very low and there did not seem to be a new growth of cockles developing.

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“There is no prospect of fishing at the moment. After this year’s fishing the stocks do not seem to have recovered.

“It could be the end of 2014 or even early 2015 before we can re-open the beds.”

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