Shellfish Harvesting and Fixed Netting Code

Shellfish and other marine life

Tread carefully to avoid damage to the rocky chalk shore especially on the lower shore where the chalk is most fragile
Always put rocks and seaweed back the way they were - there are animals underneath which need them for shelter.
Shellfish should be collected by hand only (not mechanical means) and without breaking the chalk rocks (Local Sea Fisheries bylaws allow for the collection of periwinkle by hand only)
Take only enough for your own needs to ensure that many are left for other collectors and the species can still thrive
Select only the larger shellfish to ensure that younger ones can continue to grow on and establish the next generation
Take care to avoid putting feeding or roosting birds to flight
Avoid collecting shellfish during 'Temporary Prohibition Orders' (Fishery Products and Live Shellfish) when it is a criminal offence to collect live shellfish such as cockles and mussels for human consumption on the grounds of public food safety. Contact your local authority for further information
Abide by food safety standards and 'guidelines for safe working in estuaries and tidal areas' (Health and Safety Executive)

Fixed nets should comply with both national and local fishery bylaws
Contact the Kent and Essex Sea Fisheries Committee for details and permission, and the Environmental Agency for information on the fishing of salmon, sea trout and eels
Care should be taken to avoid damage to the chalk shore and marine life when putting up fixed nets
Take away and dispose of any entangled rubbish or disintergrating nets in suitable bins
Avoid designated coastal activity areas or launch sites as nets could entangle and endanger other coastal users

Telephone: +44 (0) 1843 577672
Fax: +44 (0) 1843 577686