Please see  # advisory links
(and the voluntary Shellfish Collecting Coastal Code - further below)


# Commercial collecting or collection of periwinkles by mechanical means (other than by hand),
 native oysters collection, or large scale cockle harvesting, can be reported to
  Kent & Essex IFCA  Tel: 01843 585310  or  info@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk
  web: kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk/


# Reports of large numbers of people directed into collecting needs to go directly to
 'Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority'  Tel: 0800 432 0804, or email: licensing@gla.gov.uk 
   web: gla.gov.uk 


# People should only contact Thanet Council Environmental Health if large quantities of hand harvested oysters
  or cockles are being sold to the public or to a local food business.
  Tel: TDC Environmental health: 01843 577423, or email:  environmental.health@thanet.gov.uk 
   web: thanet.gov.uk


# Damage to chalk reef (eg using tools to chip off oysters) to Natural England, please report to the
 Kent Police on Tel: 101




THANET COASTAL CODES:  
Guidelines for Shellfish & Other Marine Life Harvesting:

- Tread carefully to avoid damage to the rocky chalk shore
   especially on the lower shore where the chalk is most fragile

- Always put rocks and seaweed back the way they were;
  there are animals underneath which need them for shelter.

- Shellfish should be collected by hand only and without breaking the chalk rocks
  (Local IFCA bylaws allow for the collection of periwinkle by hand only)

- Take only enough for your own needs
   to a maximum of 2 kg (2 litre or half a normal size bucket) of periwinkles collected by one person per day - to ensure that many are left
   for other collectors and the species can still thrive.  Other species should be left to flourish.

- Species attached to the chalk reef (eg pacific oysters & limpets) should be left
  as the reef is easily damaged if removed

- Select only the larger shellfish
  to ensure that younger ones can continue to grow on and establish the next generation

- Take care to avoid putting feeding or roosting birds to flight

- Avoid collecting shellfish during 'Temporary Prohibition Orders' (Fishery Products and Live Shellfish)
  when it is a criminal offence to collect live shellfish such as cockles and mussels for human consumption
  on the grounds of public food safety.  Contact your local authority for further information

- Abide by food safety standards and 'guidelines for safe working in estuaries and tidal areas'
  (Health and Safety Executive)


NOTE ON VOLUNTARY COASTAL CODES:  
The Thanet coast is a valued open space used by many people for recreational activities. It is also highly valued for its plants, animals and birds. Local people agreed that a series of voluntary codes could help safeguard the area’s coastline and wildlife, whilst encouraging people to use the coast responsibly and safely.
The Codes were written jointly by people involved in coastal activities and the Thanet Coast Project, and individuals and clubs are encouraged to support them. They are reviewed from time to time.

ADDITIONAL COASTAL CODES including for fixed netting on the shore and other activities can be viewed under the  Thanet Coastal Codes at:     http://thanetcoast.org.uk/factfile/thanet-coastal-codes/