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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Solway Cockle Fishery

15/04/2005

The reopening of the Solway Cockle Fishery will be considered by an idependent reporter, it was announced today.

Minister for Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie said:

"I am keen to resolve the question of whether the proposed regulating order should be introduced to allow the opening of a sustainable and viable cockle fishery in the Solway Firth.

"Our consultation generated a number of representations in relation to the proposed Regulating Order.

"Our consultation generated a number of representations in relation to the proposed Regulating Order.

"Some of the outstanding objections are, in terms of the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, "relevant" and, accordingly, I am required by the same legislation to appoint a reporter to examine the responses and provide me with advice.

"This process will begin shortly. I am optimistic that I will be in a position to make a decision based on the reporter's recommendations, by the autumn.

"I will make a further announcement concerning the terms of reference which will to the examination of the representations as soon as possible."

The Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing for Cockles ) Order 1995 closed the Solway to cockle fishing.

Consultation on the proposed Solway Cockle Fishing Regulation Order took place in December 2004.

Page updated: Friday, April 15, 2005