Ten years on since the last study of the cockle stocks in Eoligarry, a report was commissioned in response to concerns being voiced by regular harvesters on the Traigh and surrounding areas. They were aware of the decline in the availability of harvestable cockles and concerned at the long term impact if some assessment was not undertaken on the current level of stocking density of cockles.

These concerns have been reflected in the results from a recent study, commissioned by Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay, using the expertise provided by Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh Ltd. Funding for the study came from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Scottish Natural Heritage.

From a total biomass of over 1,000 tonnes of cockles in 1964, 1972, 1980 & 1993 there is now just over 200 tonnes, no recovery from 1995 figures and major concern over the ages of the remaining stock. Very few juvenile cockles and now none over 8 years of age compared to other studies that had the age range up to 16 years old.

There are a number of recommendations arising from this study but what is very clear is that the Traigh cannot continue to sustain the current level of harvesting activity with the biomass now the lowest ever recorded on the beach:

The strongest recommendation in the report “is that early intervention in terms of management strategy is needed on the basis of the current low base for stock recovery, the lack of a strong juvenile cohort and periodic nature of years of high spatfall.”

A meeting will be arranged early in May to discuss the future of the cockles on the Traigh and what steps need to be taken to ensure that not only do we maintain the cockles but that every effort is put into identifying and maintaining a sustainable stocking density on the Traigh for the benefit of current and future generations.