
Winkle, winkles
Littorina littorea
Capture method — Hand-gathering
Capture area — North East Atlantic (FAO 27)
Stock area — All Areas
Stock detail —
I-IX

Sustainability overview
Most winkles are collected or gathered by hand, which is a selective method of harvesting that causes less habitat disturbance. Minimum landing sizes for winkles vary between regions, but selecting larger, mature winkles (over 2cm) allows for them to have spawned. Choose winkles harvested by hand-gathering methods in areas which are well managed.
Biology
Winkles are gastropod molluscs (having a one-piece coiled shell) that graze on a range of algae. All species of winkle have distinct males and females. The shell size can attain about 3.5cm in length, but is usually about 2.5cm. Both males and females reach maturity at 1-1.2cm. Winkles usually live about 3 years but can survive for 4-5 years. They inhabit rocky shores in all but the most exposed coastlines, and in sheltered conditions can be found in sandy bays and mudflats, particularly in estuaries, and they are quite tolerant of brackish conditions. They are mainly intertidal but can be found at depths of 60m at the northern end of its range.
Stock information
Stock Area
All Areas
Stock information
Winkles occur throughout the UK, although they are rare in the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly. Their distribution extends from Spain in the south to the White Sea (Russia) in the north. There are currently no assessments of winkle stocks in the UK.
Management
Southern IFCA - No person shall take from a fishery any periwinkles between the 15th day of May in any year and the 15th day of September in the same year, both days inclusive. No person shall take periwinkles except by hand picking. sUSSEX ifca - Winkle closed season byelaw. No person shall take or fish for periwinkles in any year during the period beginning the 15th day of May and ending the 15th day of September following, both dates inclusive.
Capture Information
Hand picking or gathering causes less disturbance to the habitat on which winkles occur, and allows for a greater size selectivity. In some coastal waters of England and Wales it may be the only method permitted, e.g. Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (IFCA) District. A closed season for winkles is also enforced here from 15 May to 15 September.
Alternatives
Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 2 and below are included as an alternative in the list below. Click on a name to show the sustainable options available.
AbaloneClam, Manila (Farmed)
Clam, Manila, Japanese carpet shell (Caught at sea)
Crab, brown or edible
Crawfish, Red Swamp
Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish, Pharaoh
Limpet, Slipper
Lobster, American
Lobster, European
Lobster, Norway, Langoustine, Dublin Bay prawn or scampi
Lobster, squat
Mussel, mussels
Mussel, mussels (Caught at sea)
Mussel, mussels (Farmed)
Octopus, Common
Octopus, Lesser
Oyster, Native, oysters
Oyster, Native, oysters (Farmed)
Oyster, Pacific, oysters
Prawn, Endeavour, Greasy back
Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns
Prawn, Northern, prawns
Prawn, Tiger prawns
Scallop, King, scallops
Scallop, Queen, scallops
Squid, Japanese flying
Winkle, winkles