“The statutory rule will prohibit the taking of periwinkles from intertidal areas from the beginning of January to the end of April each year,” DAERA officials told MLAs in December. The move creates a clear closed season across Northern Ireland’s shores. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link

The measure is set out in the Shellfish Gathering (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. It comes into operation on 6 February 2026; from 2027 onwards that means a full January–April pause each year. Officials had signalled a late‑January or early‑February start when briefing the Committee. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link

DAERA framed the change around stock protection and wider environmental goals, citing peak spawning, sensitive habitats such as seagrass and mudflats, and knock‑on effects for seabirds and seals from repeated disturbance on popular shores. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link

This has been coming. Back in 2022 the Department ran a call for evidence on intertidal hand‑gathering, pointing to unregulated effort and risks to protected sites. That consultation shaped the menu of options now being rolled out. ([daera-ni.gov.uk](Link

The numbers explain why the Department is acting: officials told MLAs there have been records of around 400 tons processed in a recent year, with a conservative value “well north of £3 million”, largely for export-particularly to France over winter. They do not expect the closed season to materially dent that trade. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link

Exemptions are tight. During the closed period, gathering can proceed only under a permit granted by DAERA under section 14 of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966-typically for scientific or propagation work rather than commercial harvesting. Applications run to set timelines and conditions. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link

For gatherers and small buyers from Strangford to the Down coast, the practical read‑across is simple: no periwinkle picking between 6 February and 30 April in 2026, then 1 January to 30 April in subsequent years. Talk to processors and restaurant clients now about supply gaps and alternative shellfish.

MLAs also pressed DAERA on regional differences. Officials noted old by‑laws elsewhere and stressed Northern Ireland’s dates follow AFBI science. Expect this to sit alongside a broader Fisheries Management Plan for intertidal hand‑gathering due by December 2027, covering species such as native oysters and razor clams. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link

For coastal micro‑economies-family gatherers, small processors, fishmongers and cafés-the priority is cash flow over late winter. Build the pause into staffing and purchasing, adjust menus where needed, and flag the seasonal change to customers to avoid confusion on the shore and at the counter.

If you’re unsure about permits or timings, contact DAERA’s Marine and Fisheries Division before heading out. The rule applies to intertidal areas-the foreshore between low and high water-and will be enforced from 6 February 2026. That gives a short window to get houses in order before the first season bites. ([data.niassembly.gov.uk](Link