EARLY results of a “game-changing” clam fishery trial in Southend have been hailed as “very encouraging” as bosses aim to help nurture the high-value seafood.

The Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority has provided an update on the Manila clam fishery trial.

Manila clam fishing trials took place between October 2 and October 25 in the Thames Estuary on two specified areas - one on the Foulness Sand within the Shoebury Firing Range and the other on the Buxey Sand.

Encouraging - Manila clam trial fisheryEncouraging - Manila clam trial fishery (Image: Kent and Essex IFCA)

Eight vessels took part in the fishery with a range of different types of fishing gear, including suction dredges similar to those used by boats from Leigh in the Thames cockle fishery, alongside new dredge designs.

Chairman, John Lamb, has revealed that early results are “very encouraging”.

He said: “For so many decades, cockles have been the primary shellfish species here in the Thames, forming the basis of the Leigh fishing fleet.

Clams - The Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority provide an update Clams - The Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority provide an update (Image: Kent and Essex IFCA)

“Now, with the emergence of manila clam beds, comes the opportunity for a new fishery of which we can be equally proud.

“I am really pleased to see that our officers have worked so closely with the local fishing industry and are continuing to do so over the next year, to develop a manila clam fishery within the Thames.

“I look forward to the not-too-distant future when we could all be eating delicious clam dishes, alongside those established cockles, at our coastline restaurants and eateries.”

Positive - Eight vessels took part in the fisheryPositive - Eight vessels took part in the fishery (Image: Kent and Essex IFCA)

Fisheries and Conservation Authority says further work needs to be undertaken, including over the winter and next spring, to clearly define what a future fishery could look like.

The next clam trial will likely take place in 2025 at a similar time of year to this year.

Paul Gilson, president of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation, added: “I am really, really pleased to hear this.

“This will give so many more opportunities for our fishermen and just goes to show what potential there is right on our doorstep.

“We have to adapt to what we have, not just manage what we had. This is really, really good news.”