The Territorial Sea

3-12 miles

If you have a UK commercial fishing licence to fish then you can apply for an Isle of Man fishing licence. Isle of Man fishing licenses run from the 1st of November and are valid for one year. You must renew your licence annually. Although the Isle of Man follows the UK Fishing Vessel Licensing Scheme regarding scallop and shellfish entitlements, transfers, aggregations etc., there are additional licensing requirements for some fisheries, click here for more details.

0-3 miles

Only vessels under 15.24m (50ft) registered length are allowed to fish within 3 miles of the Isle of Man and require a permit to do so. Holders of an Isle of Man fishing licence will be automatically issued with a 3 mile permit if their vessel is less than 15.24m.

Closed and restricted areas

There are a number of Bye-Laws in place to protect scallops in certain areas within the Isle of Man Territorial Sea. There are currently five closed or restricted areas.

Douglas Closed Area

Port Erin Closed Area

Laxey Restricted Area

Niarbyl Restricted Area

Ramsey Closed Area

For further information regarding each of these areas please consult the relevant Bye-Laws or contact the Department at Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Fisheries Directorate, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS. +44(0)1624 685857 or at fisheries@gov.im for more information.