Aim and Objectives for Managing Access to Wash Cockle and Mussel Fisheries

The aim and objectives for managing access to the cockle and mussel fisheries in The Wash are now confirmed, following consultation with Wash fishermen.

What are the aim and objectives? They are a set of guiding principles which will shape the development of ‘policy and eligibility criteria’ that is used to manage access to the fisheries after the Wash Fishery Order 1992 expires, in January 2023.

The final aim and objectives are a commitment to a high standard of fisheries management. They are fair, transparent, and will support sustainable fisheries into the future.

See below what changes have been made following our consultation with industry. We are grateful to all those who contributed to their improvement.  Information about how all responses to this consultation were considered can be found here.

Aim: To achieve a level of access to the fishery that is equitable, and which supports the viability of varying business models, the conservation objectives of The Wash and stock sustainability

          • The aim was supported, we made no changes.

Objectives:

1. To limit access to the fishery to a number of persons which will meet the aim.

          • This objective was supported, we made no changes.

2. To support effective business planning and continuity.

          • We made changes to make this objective a clear priority.

3. To enable a range of business models to operate within the fishery.

          • We removed ‘legitimate business arrangements’ following concerns that this reference was restrictive and could unfairly impact smaller businesses. The objective now places emphasis on businesses operating at all scales.

4. To prioritise the continuity of active participants

          • Changed for the same reasons as objective 3. This objective now emphasises consistent access to the fishery for active fishermen.

5. To enable appropriate permit turnover to create opportunity for suitably qualified new permit holders.

          • Changed to reflect suggestions from industry. This objective now emphasises creating opportunity for ‘new permit holders’ who may already be participants in the fishery.

6. To prevent the permit from having its own value or becoming a tradable commodity.

          • This objective was supported, we made no changes.
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