From 6 February 2026, Northern Ireland will enforce a seasonal closure on hand‑gathering periwinkles (Littorina littorea) from intertidal areas. The Shellfish Gathering (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026, sealed on 6 January, prohibit taking periwinkles between 1 January and 30 April each year. Exceptions apply only where the Department issues a permit under section 14 of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 for defined scientific or fishery‑improvement purposes, with strict conditions attached. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

Why this window? Periwinkles breed through late winter and spring. Marine Life Information Network data places the breeding season from February to June, often earlier in nutrient‑rich estuaries, while the Conchological Society reports concentrated breeding between February and May. Protecting January to April shields most of that cycle. ([marlin.ac.uk](Link

DAERA’s evidence base points the same way. The Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute’s Strangford Lough study recorded peak spawning in February–April and recommended a closed season from January to April alongside a 16 mm minimum landing size. The new closure mirrors that scientific advice. ([daera-ni.gov.uk](Link

Intertidal gathering can disturb shorelife if done carelessly. Regional guidance for pickers stresses replacing any turned rocks, avoiding undersized animals and targeting only edible species to cut collateral damage to barnacles, small crabs and juvenile fish. These simple habits reduce harm on boulder and cobble shores where periwinkles and barnacles co‑occur. ([nifca.gov.uk](Link

For coastal families who pick seasonally, the decision is about maintaining future supply, not closing the door on income. AFBI notes demand peaks around Christmas, with reported first‑sale values of £374,400 in 2011 and £432,000 in 2012-activity the 1 January start date does not affect. Safeguarding spring spawning should support more reliable stocks later in the year. ([daera-ni.gov.uk](Link

Compliance is straightforward: no periwinkle gathering from 1 January to 30 April each year. Because the Regulations commence on 6 February 2026, the first enforceable window runs from 6 February to 30 April 2026; from 2027 onward the full January–April closure applies. Anyone needing to collect for research or restoration must secure a Section 14 permit in advance. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

This step also sits within a wider plan. DAERA is developing an Intertidal Hand‑gathering of Shellfish Fisheries Management Plan, due in 2027, to set long‑term rules for periwinkles, cockles, mussels, razor clams and native oysters. Seasonal closures are a recognised tool within that policy direction. ([daera-ni.gov.uk](Link

What you can do now: if you gather, shift effort to late spring and summer and keep simple records to help local evidence‑building. If you buy or serve seafood, check provenance and avoid sourcing periwinkles during the closed season; farmed bivalves are a dependable stand‑in. If you see suspected illegal harvesting, pass details to DAERA so enforcement teams can act.

DAERA consulted in 2022 on managing intertidal hand‑gathering to prevent damage to marine protected areas and sensitive habitats. This seasonal closure turns that goal into a clear, time‑limited rule while keeping a route open for tightly controlled research via permit. ([daera-ni.gov.uk](Link