Department consults over proposals to protect whelk stocks

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) is continuing its efforts to ensure the sustainability of its economically important fisheries by seeking to protect whelk stocks. 

While there are restrictions on catching whelks from the shore to three miles out to sea, little protection exists for whelks in the rest of the Island’s seas, which extend 12 miles out.

This increases the risk of over-exploitation of this sensitive fishery. 

DEFA is consulting the public on proposals to introduce whelk-specific fishing licences, limit the number of pots vessels can use to fish and close areas on a seasonal basis. The Department is also proposing to increase the existing minimum landing size. 

DEFA has consulted with the industry’s whelk group in drawing up its proposals.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘Whelks are one of five major species – along with king and queen scallops, lobsters and crabs – caught in Manx waters and contribute to an increasingly high-value and quality industry.

‘As outlined in our Future Fisheries strategy, we must manage the fishery in the long-term interests of the industry.

‘Our aim is to achieve sustainable and viable whelk stocks, which then provide local fishing and processing jobs that contribute to the Island’s economy.’

The consultation can be found at www.gov.im/consultations

Responses should be sent to:

by Monday 15 May 2017.

Paper copies of the consultation can be requested at DEFA or by ringing 01624 695730.