The Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture has emphasised the importance of enforcement in safeguarding the Island’s fish stocks for the future.
Geoffrey Boot MHK was speaking as the permitted queen scallop catch for the season was set by his Department.
Fishing for queen scallops opens on 3rd July and there will be a maximum catch of 992 tonnes.
The catch has been determined by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture after receiving advice from the Scallop Management Board.
The advisory board studied evidence from Bangor University scientists who are contracted by DEFA to carry out stock assessments.
The permitted catch is lower than in 2016, when those licenced to fish for queenies in Manx waters were permitted to land 1,240 tonnes.
The Minister said:
‘Queenies are a globally renowned export, are worth millions of pounds to our economy and support hundreds of jobs.
‘Many factors influence the success of queenie stocks and my Department works hard with Bangor University scientists to understanding these.
‘Latest evidence shows that queenie stocks have continued to decline, despite our efforts to ensure sustainability by imposing restrictions on fishing and closing areas to fishing completely.
‘In setting licence conditions each year, we consider the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
‘This year we are again requiring daily returns from vessels so we can closely monitor catch levels and continue to prohibit fishing for queen scallops at the weekend
‘With the number of licences issued for this fishery now strictly limited, I expect greater ownership and compliance from those participating in the fishery. Therefore, to protect this vital industry, we will continue to rigorously enforce regulations and ensure anyone found breaching them is robustly dealt with.’
