Legal cockling returns to the Solway after over four years

More than 100 licences have been granted to legally gather shellfish under a new management system.

Fisheries Minister Ross Finnie urged gatherers to act responsibly in working with enforcement agencies.

There have been fears illegal cockling could continue but Mr Finnie insisted that anybody caught fishing without a licence would face prosecution.

Cockle fishing on the Scottish side of the estuary was banned in 2002 to allow stocks to recover.

The new licence scheme is overseen by the Solway Shellfish Management Association (SSMA).

'Important asset'

"The healthy cockle beds are an important asset for fishermen and local communities but they must be managed in a sustainable and safe manner," said Mr Finnie.

"I believe that the Solway regulating order is the best way of doing this.

"There should however be no doubt that the Solway cockle fishery is only open to those who have obtained a licence from the SSMA.

"All enforcement agencies involved will work to ensure that anyone found fishing illegally is prosecuted."