Clam Fishery Approved

PLANS have been given the green light for a ground-breaking clam fishery in the Thames Estuary, aimed at cultivating the prized seafood.

The Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (KEIFCA) has granted approval for the establishment of a trial fishery specifically targeting Manila clams, following their discovery in local waters.

Southend West MP Anna Firth also met with local fishermen and officials, including the association’s chief officer, Will Wright, and deputy chief officer, Dominic Bailey, to learn about the implementation of the trial.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Ms Firth hailed the project as a potential game-changer for the local fishing community.

She said: “This is a hugely exciting development and one that has the potential to be game-changing for our local fishing community.

“Ever since I found out about the potential for a new clam fishery in the estuary, I have engaged extensively with ministers and stakeholders to see what can be done to deliver it.

“This will be the first new fishery locally in my memory and I will continue to work closely with our local fishermen and with the Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority to ensure we deliver a successful and sustainable clam fishery.”

Coun John Lamb chairman of Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, added:

“If the trial is successful, and I’m confident it will be, then it will open a new fishery in the IFCA for our local fishermen, the first for many years,” he added.

Leigh Lib Dema councillor Peter Wexham, who has also worked as a fisherman in the Old Town, said: “At out last meeting of KEIFCA, we had a report from the officers that have being surveying the situation over the years as the Clams have steadily been increasing.

“The committee agreed to set up a proper trial in the Autumn, once the Cockle season finishes, to find out if they can be harvested without damaging the Clams or Cockle beds.

“They need catching to reduce the density of the clams, so they can grow to a size that is big enough for the markets.”

Coun Wexham explained that monitoring the clam situation was both potentially lucrative, but also essential for the Thames Estuary eco-system: “The Clams live deeper in the sand than cockles and if left will push the Cockles out and take over the Cockle beds, which are the main stay of the biodiversity of the sandbanks. It will also give another shellfish catch to help keep the industry thriving into the future and maintain jobs throughout the year, if they can be caught at a different time of year to the cockles.

“This and the new Quayside and maintenance of the creek (as part of the upcoming Leigh Port development) should keep Leigh port and the industry going for years into the future.”

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