On Air Manx Radio Breakfast Ben Hartley & Siobhan Fletcher | 7:30am - 9:30am

Delayed scallop fishing licence changes introduced

Amendments made to original proposals

The Isle of Man Government has announced that it will be varying the conditions of its licence for vessels fishing for king scallops in its territorial waters.

From Monday (15 Jan) all vessels licenced to fish for king scallops in Manx waters will be required to report daily to an Isle of Man port for catch inspection.

However, visiting vessels have the option of not having to sail to the Island, so long as they've only been fishing in Manx waters since leaving their home port. 

Changes to the licence were originally planned to come in on the 8th of January, but were delayed after concerns were raised by Scottish fishermen about having to sail to a Manx port to report their catches.

Discussions have been taking place between the Scottish and Manx governments over the last week. Yesterday (Fri 12th) it was announced the changes were being implemented, but now with the added option for those fishing solely in Manx waters to continue logging their catches electronically.

DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot, MHK says the Island remains committed to preventing the decline of its king scallop stock and has made the decision to strengthen enforcement as it was clear that underreporting was going on.

 

He adds that several cases are currently being investigated and they expect to suspend the Fishing Licence of any skipper who is suspected of underreporting their catch. 

 

Mr Boot has thanked Marine Scotland for its cooperation and support over the past week.

More from Isle of Man News