Reports suggest compromise on way
It's being reported the Manx government is considering backing down on a controversial measure to control scallop fishing.
Scottish newspaper the Daily Record claims it's seen a letter circulated to fishermen in Scotland by Island fisheries bosses.
A new rule imposed earlier this month means Scottish boats fishing off the Manx coast must report daily to local authorities for catch inspections.
It's in response to an apparent rise in overfishing in our territorial waters.
That move prompted anger with Scots fishermen, who felt they were being discriminated against.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle last week entered talks with the country's leader Nicola Sturgeon to find a 'mutually agreeable' compromise, fuelling speculation a U-turn was on the cards.
Now a memo, apparently circulated to fishermen, appears to show the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is considering a compromise - lifting the regulation and replacing it with a more stringent banning system for anyone caught overfishing.
The Record reports vessel owners there are welcoming the decision - see text below:
'The department is considering lifting the emergency enforcement-related licence conditions relating to daily reporting as introduced on January 15 and replacing these with a policy of licence suspension.'
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