AMBITIOUS plans have been approved for a “game-changing” clam fishery in Southend to help nurture prized, high-value seafood often found on menus of plush restaurants.
The Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority has approved plans to establish a trial fishery for Manila clams.
Southend West MP Anna Firth met with fishermen and the association’s chief officer and deputy chief officer, Will Wright and Dominic Bailey, yesterday to discuss how the trial will be carried out.
The Conservative MP previously discussed the potential for two new shell-fisheries to be established in the Thames Estuary with Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and environment minister Mark Spencer.
Ms Firth said: “This is a hugely exciting development and one that has the potential to be game-changing for our local fishing community.
“Ever since I found out about the potential for a new clam fishery in the estuary, I have engaged extensively with ministers and stakeholders to see what can be done to deliver it.
“This will be the first new fishery locally in my memory and I will continue to work closely with our local fishermen and with the Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority to ensure we deliver a successful and sustainable clam fishery.”
'Great opportunity'
John Lamb, chairman of Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said a lot of “extremely hard” work has gone in to developing this “great opportunity”.
“If the trial is successful, and I’m confident it will be, then it will open a new fishery in the IFCA for our local fishermen, the first for many years,” he added.
After the trial, the authority will be able to assess the catch and the viability and profitability of the new fishery and establish the best way forward.
It is aiming to get started in the autumn, which allows enough time for the trial to be organised and for participants to apply for funding to help with the cost of taking part.
Paul Gilson was among the Leigh fishermen who attended the meeting with Ms Firth.
He said: “I thought that this was a very positive meeting, and we learnt about some of the difficulties we need to overcome.
“However, there were many positives that came to light. The sheer volume and distribution of the clams is huge.”
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