We are very keen to avoid the "boom and bust" harvesting of cockles

Richard Brassington, Environment Agency

Now the agency is consulting with fishermen and others over a licensing plan, which will provide jobs and develop the cockle industry in a sensible way to ensure that stocks are conserved for the future.

Once re-established, it is estimated that the local cockle fishing industry could be valued at �1.5m a year.

The Agency's Northern Area Fisheries team leader Richard Brassington said: "We are very keen to avoid the "boom and bust" harvesting of cockles which is in no-one's interest.

Annual limit

"We believe that this management plan, which will underpin a Regulation order, is the way forward which will be supported by the majority of fishermen."

It has been suggested that up to 50 licences be issued to cockle fishermen each year.

There will be an introduction of an annual catch limit of between 500 and 2,500 tonnes - depending on the abundance of harvestable cockles at the time.

It is a bid to get away from the "boom and bust" harvesting of cockles which the agency said was in the interests of no-one.

Proven record

The agency's proposals are to manage cockle stocks in a more sustainable manner for the benefit of local fishermen and wildlife.

The licensed cockle men, who will be selected from among those who have a proven track record, will be allowed to collect up to that year's agreed limit.

They will hand in returns and when the limit is reached the beds will be closed again.

A special surgery will be held for people who wish to discuss the Environment Agency's plan between 1020 and 1930 GMT on Thursday, 1 February, at the Environment Agency's offices in Buckley.

The deadline for comments is Friday, 9 March.