date:Aug 07, 2012
Fishing for cockles from the Solway Firth is currently banned, however there are allegations that gangs are illegally harvesting cockles in the area and causing a disturbance to local communities.
Mr Lochhead has asked Marine Scotland to invite public bodies and local interests to a meeting in Dumfries on August 10, which will seek to ensure greater cooperation in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Mr Lochhead said: I fully recognise the serious concerns expressed by local residents about gangs