Cockle picking cannot take place in the estuary for twelve months

Environment Agency Wales imposed the ban after a survey found a decline in the number of mature cockles.

For the last three years hundreds of cocklers have been cashing in on the high prices paid by shellfish processors, said the agency.

It will mount patrols to guard against illegal cocklers and apply to be able to license the fishermen.

The Flintshire beds have been closed for short periods before.

However, this is the first time in three years that they have been closed for such a long period.

Colin MacDonald, managing director of Wirral Seafoods in Flintshire, said he backed the estuary's closure.

We are disappointed that the numbers of larger cockles are low this year Alan Winstone, Environment Agency

"I'm not surprised at all because there's not a lot of cockles around at the moment of mature size," he said.

"It's better off remaining closed, I think it's good that the measures are being taken to protect the cockle beds."

Mr MacDonald said fishermen have only had between 20 and 30 days of cockling in the past three years and most people harvest elsewhere now, including Morecambe Bay.

Hand raking of cockles on the estuary is a traditional activity.

Patrols

For the last three years several hundred fishermen have been harvesting cockles, when the beds were open, to take advantage of the high prices paid by shellfish processors.

After a survey in July, the Environment Agency found there had been a decline in the numbers of mature cockles.

"Although the fishermen will be disappointed by this decision I am sure that they will appreciate the need to look to the future to develop a sustainable fishery," said Alan Winstone from Environment Agency Wales.

"We are disappointed that the numbers of larger cockles are low this year," he added.

Agency officers will patrol the area to make sure that no illegal cockling takes place while the beds are closed.