THE BEACH CHECKS
Officers helped seize 22 kilograms of shellfish during checks on harvesting at Chalkwell beach in Southend.
Essex Police’s Marine Unit assisted Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority and Southend City Council after reports of people collecting mussels, clams and periwinkles.
WHAT OFFICERS FOUND
PC Craig Stocker said four people were stopped and spoken to earlier in September. Council environmental health officers seized the shellfish. More than half the clams were below the legal minimum harvesting size.
The report described a joint enforcement operation; it did not announce criminal convictions arising from the checks.
WHY THE CHECKS MATTER
Police warned that improperly harvested shellfish can contain sewage contamination and other toxins. Catch limits and minimum sizes also help protect shellfish stocks.
Kent & Essex IFCA manages sea fisheries resources and marine conservation in its district. Southend City Council’s environmental health team enforces public health and food safety regulations.
JOINT ENFORCEMENT
IFCA enforcement officer Hayden Hurst said police support helped the teams check identities, inspect gatherers and improve officer safety. Fingerprint scanners also helped identify repeat offenders who had previously given false details.
Councillor Irene Ferguson said the council would continue to work with partner agencies to protect Southend’s shellfish heritage and coastal environment.
THE TIMELINE
- September 2026
Joint checks carried out at Chalkwell beach.
- During the operation
Four people spoken to and 22kg of shellfish seized.
- 28 September 2026
Essex Police published the operation report.
Report published by Essex Police on 28 September 2026.
View the original report
