The Influence of Bait Digging on Cockle, Cerastoderma edule, Populations in North Norfolk

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Abstract
The population of cockles C. (= Cardium) edule (L.) declined drastically in the late 1950''s and 1960''s concurrent with intensification of digging for lug [Arenicola marina] and rag worms [Nereis diversicolor]. At Blakeney Point, where bait digging is slight, cockles remained common. Digging caused heavy mortality of cockles and probably acted more severely on smaller ones of each age group. Laboratory experiments confirmed that few cockles buried at 10 cm could regain their near surface positions and that many died. Predator exclusion did not affect cockle numbers.