From 6 February 2026, periwinkle picking on Northern Ireland beaches moves onto a statutory closed season. DAERA has signed the Shellfish Gathering (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026, introducing an annual 1 January–30 April pause on taking winkles from the inter‑tidal zone.

For clarity, the ban covers the inter‑tidal area - the strip between the high‑water mark and the low‑water mark of ordinary spring tides. The rule applies to periwinkles (Littorina littorea) and prohibits taking them by any means within that zone during the seasonal window.

Because the Regulations come into operation on 6 February 2026, this year’s enforcement runs from 6 February to 30 April. From 2027 onwards the closed season will run 1 January to 30 April inclusive each year, unless changed by future legislation.

An exemption exists for anyone operating under a permit issued by the Department under section 14 of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. Where a permit is granted, activity must stick to the conditions on that permit in full.

Coastal communities from the Causeway Coast to Strangford Lough will feel the change most, where winkle picking is a familiar sight in winter. Processors and buyers should plan for tighter supply through late winter and early spring and speak to suppliers about permit status.

Inter‑tidal means just that: it does not extend above the ordinary high‑water mark or below the ordinary low‑water mark. Other fisheries rules still apply away from the inter‑tidal zone and at sea, so professional crews and shore gatherers should check wider obligations before heading out.

The Regulations were sealed with DAERA’s Official Seal on 6 January 2026 by senior officer Owen Lyttle and are published on legislation.gov.uk as Statutory Rule 2026 No. 1. The measure is framed as conservation of inter‑tidal shellfish stocks.

For Northern readers trading across the Irish Sea, the practical takeaway is simple: plan around a January‑to‑April pause in NI periwinkles unless a section 14 permit is in place. If in doubt, contact DAERA’s Fisheries Division for guidance and make sure any staff or contractors know the new dates.

We’ll track how enforcement plays out once the 6 February start date arrives and report any clarifications issued by the Department. In the meantime, keep records, respect the closed season and do not take winkles from the inter‑tidal zone without a valid permit.