‘Gangmaster’ fear in illegal Leasowe cockling probe

Aug 25 2010 by Luke Traynor, Heswall News

FISHERMEN who illegally harvested over 10 tonnes of cockles from a seabed may have been instructed by gangmasters.

Investigators were this week still hunting a gang of up to 50 people who trekked out onto the Leasowe sands under the cover of darkness 11 days ago.

Arriving in ten 4x4 trailers on a remote car park, the group walked out around three-quarters of a mile at low tide.

The Northwest Sea Fisheries Committee, which is leading the probe, said it could not rule out gangmaster activity.

They believe shellfish processing firms are coaxing fishermen to target the unclassified bed and harvest cockles, which could be dangerous if eaten.

Last weekend, the fisheries committee had officers on standby in case more gangs working without permits returned to the Leasowe sands.

Dr Steven Atkins, from the committee, said: “Last weekend’s activity was almost certainly organised by UK shellfish processing and buying companies.

“Buyers are making it known they are willing to pay for these harvests. They are effectively organising this illegal industry.

“It could be gangmasters in charge. Nobody is being forced to fish, but they are encouraged there is a market for cockles if they are collected.”

Five separate incidents were being investigated as officials studied a tip-off that the cockles are being shipped from a base near Hoylake to eastern England for processing.

Last Thursday, a small operation focused on Leasowe beach, which discovered a small group of fishermen picking razor clams on the seabed.

Officials from Merseyside police, the UK Border Agency and Northwest Sea Fisheries Committee ruled the collection of Chinese, Polish and English workers were not committing any criminal offence.

At the car park, off Leasowe Road, a sign warns people about the dangers of cockling.