hosted by Thanet District Council

Shellfish Harvesting

 

The North East Kent European marine site (NEKEMS) includes numerous nature conservation designations and bylaws and related controls relating to shellfish - but the authorities still receive reports of concern about ‘over-collecting’ of shore life along the coast.

 

Thanet’s chalk foreshore is open to the general public and provides a hard substrate - suitably dominated in some areas by periwinkles & mussels; whilst Canterbury’s coast is mainly sediments - with cockles; manila clams and oysters.

 

Concerns were highlighted during the original Management Scheme workshops in the 1990s, and have arisen from time to time ever since. More recent public complaints relate to why collectors could not be stopped - however, most of these reports and incidents tend to start from the basis that it is “assumed” to be a problem, and may arise because it is so publically visible.

 

The complexity of different laws involved has made it a difficult issue to resolve quickly.  It is hoped that the issue will gradually be tackled withion the new conservation remit of local IFCAs (Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Agency) that have just been established in 2011.

 

Notes from multi-agency meetings for NEKEMS in September 2009 & September 2010 

 

Previous related studies:

The sustainability of shellfish harvesting and its effects on the reef habitats within the Northeast Kent European Marine Sites (inter-tidal) 29/6/2010  (Natural England)