Understanding the Changes to the Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Regulations

The UK Government has announced a key legislative adjustment affecting the Thames Estuary cockle fishery, crucial for maintaining its sustainable operations. This adjustment, known as the Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025, aims to rectify a drafting error in the 2024 regulations, ensuring the policy aligns with its original intent.

What’s the Issue?

In 2020, the Thames Estuary cockle fishery supported 84 direct jobs and 150 processing roles, contributing £6.5 million annually. The fishery is one of only six in the North Atlantic certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, underlining its importance. However, previous regulations (TECFO 1994) expired in 2024, prompting new rules (TECFO 2024) to govern the fishery.

The TECFO 2024 introduced annual renewable licences for up to seven years, aiming to balance continuity for existing licence holders with opportunities for new entrants. However, a drafting oversight in article 5(12) inadvertently disqualified some TECFO 1994 licence holders from obtaining transitional licences under the new order.

Why the Change?

The new Variation Order corrects this error, ensuring that all 14 previous licence holders can secure transitional licences as initially intended. This adjustment is essential to uphold the policy's goal: providing stability for current operators while gradually opening the fishery to new participants after a seven-year transition.

Consultation and Feedback

During the consultation period, 25 responses were received, with a majority supporting the change. Supporters argued that the correction maintains business continuity and protects jobs. However, some objections were raised, citing concerns over monopolisation and fairness in access for new entrants. The government has addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the corrected regulation will not affect opportunities for new entrants every seven years.

Impact and Implementation

The economic impact of this amendment is minimal, assessed at £0.2 million annually, but it ensures the continued operation of a vital fishery. The change is expected to mitigate potential financial disruptions for businesses involved in the fishery.

Conclusion

The Variation Order is a necessary step to align the Thames Estuary cockle fishery regulations with their intended policy. By doing so, it secures the fishery's sustainable future, balancing the interests of existing operators and new market entrants. The government's swift action in addressing the drafting error reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of this important industry.