Officers have been closely monitoring the temperatures at Marshside, Southport where the Penfold cockle fishery operates. The recent cold weather did not make the threshold stipulated in the NWIFCA Cold Weather Protocol. 56.75hours below zero were recorded at or below zero since 01:30 on the 28th Nov. This was very close to the 60 hours which would trigger a suspension and is pleasing to see warmer temperatures. The fishery will be open as normal tomorrow 4th December. Officers will continue to monitor the weather throughout the winter in accordance with the protocol in place.

Please see the flexible permit conditions below for the open tides at the fishery. Penfold-Cockle-Fishery-Byelaw-3-Flexible-Permit-Conditions-2023-December.pdf (nw-ifca.gov.uk) Please note any potential cold weather closure sits outside of these dates.

Officers are monitoring the potential for having to suspend fishing at the Penfold cockle fishery. In monitoring the temperatures reached at Marshside and the forecast for the weekend it is likely the threshold of 60 hours at or below 0 degrees Celsius out of 120 consecutive hours may be reached by Sunday morning. Please see the link below. Met Office WOW – Therefore fishing would be suspended for the coming week if this is reached. An update will be provided on Sunday 3rd December.