This Order varies the restriction in article 5(12) of the Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) Order 2024 concerning eligibility for a licence to dredge, fish for or take cockles within the regulated fishery. All other elements of the Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) Order 2024 will remain unaltered.

Schedule 1 of the Shellfish Act requires that a draft of this variation order be published, following which there is a 1 month period for receipt of representations or objections.

A copy of the draft variation order can be found below

Representations or objections concerning the draft variation order should be received by midnight on 3 June 2025 at both addresses given below:

Defra Several and Regulating Orders Team

Marine & Fisheries Directorate

Seacole Building

2 Marsham Street

London SW1 4DF

or SRO@defra.gov.uk

Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

Paragon House

Albert Street

Ramsgate

Kent CT11 9HD

or info@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk