Statutory Consultation period for Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2024

Since the 17 September 2021 Kent and Essex IFCA has engaged in a detailed process to review and develop future cockle management in the KEIFCA district with the aim of confirming new legislation before the current Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 1994 ends on the 28 September 2024.
Schedule 1 of the Shellfish Act, requires that the draft order be published, following which there is a 30 day period (29 February 2024 until the 29 March 2024) for receipt of representations or objections to the new Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery Order 2024. 
Anybody who objects to the order should give their reasons for opposing the application in writing, and DEFRA will assess any objections. If the Minister decides that a local public inquiry is needed because objections are not frivolous, irrelevant and, are not withdrawn, then the Minister will appoint an Inspector to hold a public inquiry to hear and consider objections to the proposed Order.
Responses should be made in writing to the Minister, (SRO@defra.gov.uk) with a copy also sent to KEIFCA (info@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk). The closing date for receipt of replies for this consultation is the 29 March 2024 and any responses received after this date will not be considered.
To view the draft legislation and management plan and for more information please go to https://cocklereview.kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk/statutory-consultation