Cockle beds are to be closed to allow stocks to recover

The Morecambe Bay Partnership is hosting the seminar in Ulverston.

The charity, which promotes conservation, has invited police, environmentalists and health and safety experts to the Tuesday event.

Five people have been charged in connection with the deaths of 23 cocklers in February 2004.

Earlier this month it was announced the cockle beds are to be closed to protect dwindling stocks.

The North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee took the decision after saying adult and juvenile cockles were scarce.

The Morecambe Bay ban begins on 15 April and will remain in place until stocks recover, the committee said.

On Tuesday committee members will tell the seminar how a recently-introduced permit scheme has helped to reduce the number of illegal cocklers at Morecambe Bay.

Police and coastguard officials are also due to take part in the one-day event.