Manx herring quota deemed a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity'

Manx fishermen can land up to 100 tonnes of herring this year

A new Isle of Man herring quota that follows two years of constructive post-Brexit discussions is said to provide a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' for the Manx fishing industry.

The deal - which was first reported in the Telegraph over the weekend - is said to have followed 'lengthy and productive talks between the Isle of Man and UK governments'.

Before the EU Common Fisheries Policy introduced quotas in the 1980s, fisherman had been free to catch fish in Manx waters.

At its peak, the Manx herring industry was estimated to directly employ around 3,500 people, with a thriving kipper industry in full swing.

However, falling stocks meant Manx fishermen’s focus turned to scallops and queenies and the quota allocated by the UK fell so far that the fishery was not commercially viable.

By the time the herring numbers recovered to today’s sustainable levels, quotas had become consolidated outside the Isle of Man under UK quota allocation rules.

However, since Brexit the UK has gained a greater share of Irish Sea herring quotas and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey MP, recently determined how this should be shared among British vessels. 

It means Manx fishermen can once again diversify, signalling the end of their reliance on shellfish.

The Manx herring season will run from July to the end of the year, and Manx fishermen can initially land up to 100 tonnes of herring. 

The Island has also been given a 100 tonne quota for the small and extremely valuable lobsters, known as langoustines, from 2024.

DEFA has made an additional £150,000 available to fishing businesses wishing to diversify and those interested should contact the MFPO, which will be responsible for managing quota alongside DEFA, by emailing iomfishermen@manx.net.