By Mike Lloyd

Fishermen in the area warn gangmasters may muscle in

They said action must be taken to avert a free-for-all in the firth.

The multi-million pound haul under the sands offers rich pickings, but the Scottish Executive has been trying to create a sustainable fishery.

Last month a fisherman began taking cockles, after finding a loophole enabling fishing in some areas.

Before the executive could act to close the loophole, beds were exploited by gangs from across the UK, many of them allegedly fishing illegally.

Fishermen predict conflict between hand-pickers and gangs using tractors and boats.

Local councillor Jock Purdie, who chairs the Solway Shellfish Management Association (SSMA), said it shows there is a dam waiting to burst.

He has called for decisive action on the beds, which have been closed for more than a decade.

The fishermen have been waiting that length of time they're really keen to get on now and get something done Jack Purdie Shellfish management association

"I think the illegals might think, if it is going to drag on then maybe we can go and have a go at it," he said.

"The executive now should get off their hind ends and get a move on."

According to Chris Miles, of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), years of closure have allowed the stocks to recover to record levels - so they are now a prime target.

"There are plenty of cockles there and that is what triggered the illegal activity we saw a few weeks back," he said.

SNH and the SSMA have been working with local fishermen on a sustainable fishery plan that would allow cocklers a managed, licensed catch.

But Chris Miles said antagonism between the hand-pickers, and tractor and boatmen is hampering implementation.

"We have sought compromise and we have divided the catch 50-50 between the sectors."

Cockles war warning

But Mr Miles said objections to the fishery management proposals have proved intractable and now Fisheries Minister Ross Finnie must decide on whether or not to hold a public inquiry.

Malcolm Willacy, secretary of the Annan Fishermen's Association, said the time has come for the executive to act, before it is too late.

Experts say the firth should be rich-pickings for cocklers

"Once the regulating order is passed these plans would be implemented but until the executive devolves powers to the association, the fishery is either closed or it's a free-for-all," he said.

Councillor Purdie said. "The fishermen have been waiting that length of time, they're really keen to get on now and get something done."

The executive said it was working towards a solution

A spokesman said last month's outbreak of lawlessness confirmed that a robust plan must be put in place.

"Recent events have emphasised the need for a carefully managed fishery to promote sustainable exploitation of the stocks," he said.