Scottish Solway Cockle Survey Taking Place.
The Solway cockle fishery closed in 2009 due to low stock levels primarily caused by overfishing. At its height in 1991, over 5,000 tonnes a year with a first-sale value today of over £5m, were harvested. The last full Solway cockle survey was undertaken over 7 years ago in 2015, and the stock is now considered a data-deficient stock.
To improve data and inform fishery scientists and managers, SeaScope Fisheries Research Ltd (In partnership with Fruits of the Sea, University of Glasgow and Marine Scotland Science) has been awarded £288,972 by the FISP (Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships) scheme to carry out a Solway Cockle Survey. The project will undertake two full stock surveys (2023 and 2024) and also carry out relaying trials and support student projects.
For more information about other funded fisheries projects click here
The surveys will take place between Annan and Wigtown Bay over the next 3 weeks either on foot or on quads. All the correct permissions are in place for the survey work.