A number of people are taking the Foreshore Gatherers Safety Training course in the belief that they will automatically be issued with a permit. This is not the case.

The permit scheme allows for 40 new permits to be issued in 2007. These have all been allocated.

There is also a provision for 40 new permits to be issued in 2008. The waiting list for these permits is now full.

It is an offence, throughout the whole of the NWNWSFC District, to commercially fish for or assist in fishing for cockles and mussels without a valid permit. Byelaw offences are recorded as criminal offences and courts may impose a fine of up to £5000 for each offence.

Byelaw 5 seeks to reduce the number of opportunistic short term workers, reduces the rate of exploitation of stocks, and therefore assists in providing stable fishing practices and sustainable fisheries.