A man has been fined almost £1,000 for illegally gathering cockles in the Llanmadoc area on the Gower Peninsula. The illegal gatherer attempted to flee the scene but was caught by officers when he tried to move his car to avoid the incoming tide. Natural Resources Wales’ enforcement officers, along with a Dyfed-Powys Police officer, were on patrol in North Gower when they received a report of illegal cockle gathering on June 16, 2023. They found Stefan Swistun of Banc Bach, Penclawdd, Swansea collecting cockles without a valid licence.
As the officers approached Swistun and identified themselves, he tried to hide his identity and then fled the scene in his 4×4 vehicle upon being asked to stop. After an extensive search, enforcement officers located his vehicle hidden in a sandy cove on the beach. When Swistun returned to move the car away from the tide, he was apprehended. At Swansea Magistrates Court on August 22, Swistun pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement officer’s request to stop on site. He was fined £345 (reduced for an early plea), ordered to pay £500 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £138, totaling £938 to be paid at £100 per month. Additionally, the equipment used for gathering cockles was confiscated.
Alun Thomas, senior enforcement officer for NRW, emphasized their commitment to protecting shellfish stocks, the environment, and the livelihoods of licensed shellfish gatherers at the Burry Inlet Shellfishery. He highlighted that the penalty imposed by the court sends a strong message that offences in this area will not be tolerated. NRW will continue to take necessary action against individuals breaking the law on the Burry Inlet cockle beds and urges the public to report any concerns about illegal shell fishing or other illicit activities to their Incident Hotline on 03000 65 3000.