Morecambe Bay reopens for fishing

The sand banks at Morecambe Bay have reopened for fishing with new regulations. Fishing in the bay, where 21 Chinese cockle pickers lost their lives in 2004, is now overseen by the Gangmaster Licencing Authority (GLA), a new organisation established to ensure that workers in the bay’s shellfish industry are not exploited. All fishermen must now complete a safety course before they can acquire a permit to fish in Morecambe Bay. Those fishing without a licence will be subject to a fine of up to £5,000.