In May, the Environment Agency called on fishermen and women to show their interest and the 50 licences on offer have been snapped up.

An agency spokesman said there had been hundreds of people in previous years fishing for cockles in the Dee, and that they were in discussions with some of those who missed out.

The Environment Agency says the aim of the proposed Dee Estuary Cockle Regulating Order, is to ensure safe fishing takes place to boost the local economy as well as protecting wildlife.

Instead of more people fishing all at once, the new scheme will see the beds staying open for a longer periods.

The spokesman confirmed they expect cockling to begin in September.

The process for selecting successful licence applications was subject to strict criteria.

Each fisherman/woman will have had to demonstrate that they are a commercial cockle fisher with a history of fishing the Dee Estuary.

The cost of each licence is about £1,000 per year, which will enable the agency to cover the costs of regulating, managing and controlling cockle fishing on the Dee.

The spokesman said: "The decision was made to issue 50 licences and 50 people have taken up those licences.

"There are a number of people who haven't been issued with a licence and we are in discussions with them.

"Previously, hundreds of people were given licences.

"Now we are able to better control it and open the beds for longer.

"The fishing is due to start in September."

Alan Winstone, leading on the Order for Environment Agency Wales, said: "A sustainable, financially viable cockle industry will be a real boost for the economy in North Wales, and further enhance its reputation as a producer of high quality seafood."

The agency said local comments and concerns have been taken into consideration, with regular consultation through a liaison panel of local fishermen and other interested parties.