“Must not take periwinkles… 1 January to 30 April each year.” That’s the new line from Northern Ireland’s fisheries rulebook, applied along the shoreline by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Sealed by senior officer Owen Lyttle on 6 January 2026 and coming into operation on 6 February 2026, the Shellfish Gathering (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 bring in a defined closed season for the species.

The measure covers the inter‑tidal area - the stretch between the high‑water and low‑water marks of ordinary spring tides - and applies specifically to the common periwinkle, Littorina littorea, a small sea snail often picked from rocks and seaweed at low tide.

From 1 January to 30 April, both dates included, no periwinkles may be taken by any means from the inter‑tidal area. The only people allowed to gather during this window are those operating under a permit issued by DAERA under section 14 of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, and they must follow the permit conditions to the letter.

For 2026, the regulation takes effect on 6 February, so the ban applies from that date through to 30 April this year. In following years, the full closed season will run from 1 January to 30 April annually.

For coastal communities around Strangford Lough, Belfast Lough and the Causeway Coast, periwinkles are a modest but steady earner through the winter months. The pause will be felt by shore pickers, processors and fishmongers who rely on regular low‑tide collections for local trade and onward sales.

DAERA’s move is about conservation as well as clarity. Inter‑tidal gathering can put pressure on sensitive habitats; a clear, time‑limited break gives periwinkle stocks room to recover and reduces disturbance on protected shores during winter and early spring.

What this means in practice is straightforward. Unless a DAERA permit says otherwise, gathering stands down until May. Buyers and restaurants should plan around the gap, and anyone considering a permit should speak to DAERA early and expect strict conditions.

We’ll track how the first season under the new rules beds in from 6 February. If you’re a picker, processor or coastal business affected by the change, share your experience and we’ll reflect it in future reporting.