Policy paper

Cockle fisheries management plan (FMP): what happens next

Updated 16 December 2025

Applies to England

Cockle stocks are economically valuable and support a healthy marine habitat and wider biodiversity but are at risk of over-exploitation in some areas. The cockle fisheries management plan (FMP) was developed to ensure sustainable cockle fisheries in the long term.  

Inshore fisheries and conservation authorities (IFCAs) gather evidence on the status of the main cockle stocks in their annual stock assessments. The main cockle stocks are healthy, with existing management suitable for high long-term yields.  

The status of cockle beds in non-fished and offshore areas is unknown. 

The FMP is focussed on linking local cockle management within a national framework with actions to:  

• consider establishing a national cockle forum 

• develop national monitoring and reporting mechanisms to detect inshore and offshore emerging fisheries  

• improve our evidence base to inform management decisions

Action 1: develop a framework to support the role of the FMP in realising sustainable cockle fisheries in English waters

Within 5 years or more, we aim to develop a national survey and stock assessment framework, linking local management to a national approach that is flexible and strategic.  

This will help tackle issues common to all cockle fisheries in English waters. For example:  

• emerging, private or unregulated fisheries 

• unfished cockle beds 

• shellfish certification 

• water quality issues 

Action 2: consider developing national monitoring and reporting mechanisms to detect inshore and offshore emerging fisheries  

Within 5 years or more, consider creating a register of private fisheries in English waters and develop guidelines for regulators when considering emerging commercial inshore and offshore fisheries.  

Action 3: review data collection framework and evidence base relating to interactions between cockle fisheries and designated bird prey requirements   

Within 5 years or more, we aim to review the evidence base used for the bird food model supporting the main cockle fisheries.  

Following on from that, we will make recommendations on the mechanism used to provide regulators with advice. 

Action 4: assess the data collection framework for social and economic data used to inform management decisions   

Within 5 years or more, we will: 

• produce a report investigating the economic burdens on businesses associated with shellfish health sampling and export certification 

• develop guidelines for regulators when considering how emerging commercial inshore and offshore fisheries should be managed 

Action 5: consider establishing a national cockle FMP forum  

Within 2 to 5 years, we will consider establishing a national cockle forum, including the potential hosting organisation, the scope of membership and form of engagement. As part of this process, we will engage with regulators and relevant stakeholders to develop the policy thinking on: 

• what a forum would bring to cockle fisheries  

• how it could support delivery of the objectives in the cockle FMP