Consultation process for reviewing and developing future cockle management

Under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (KEIFCA) has the responsibility to manage the exploitation of sea fisheries resources in our District. In addition, we have a duty to seek to balance the social and economic benefits of exploiting the sea fisheries resources of the district with the need to protect the marine environment from, or promote its recovery from, the exploits of such exploitation.

The Thames estuary sustains some of the largest populations and fisheries of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) in the UK and directly supports jobs and skills in our local communities. The main current management system, the Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order1994 is due to end in 2024. We have developed this website to help you to navigate through our review of the current KEIFCA cockle fishery management system and engage in the process of developing future cockle management.