Changes are being proposed to licence fees for commercial fishing within the Isle of Man's territorial seas.
Interested parties are being asked to give their feedback on the measures as part of a public consultation.
The proposal would mean a move from the current annual flat fee to a tiered charging structure based on a fishing vessel's size and the species targeted by that vessel.
The approach would introduce the principle that those who benefit the most from fishing within the Isle of Man's seas should, in turn, contribute the most towards the costs of managing and protecting this valuable natural resource.
Managing and protecting the Island's sea fish stocks costs the Isle of Man Government around £697,000 a year.
Government's policy of careful management and custodianship of the Island's fishing grounds continues to successfully minimise the risk of over-fishing, with stocks able to replenish each year, ensuring sustainability.
Figures from the UK's Martine Management Organisation show the Isle of Man's fishery to be one of the most productive and lucrative areas for shellfish in the whole of the British Isles.
Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Geoffrey Boot MHK, said:
'The Isle of Man has invested considerably over many years to ensure the sustainability of fishing within its territorial seas.
'This approach remains vital given the real and significant economic benefit to the Isle of Man from sea fishing – around £20 million a year – which we want to see continue and grow.
'71% of vessels registered to fish in Isle of Man waters are, however, from our neighbours in the UK and Jersey.
'It seems reasonable that those who earn a living from fishing in our waters should contribute to the costs of managing them, something largely borne by the Isle of Man taxpayer at present. Likewise it seems fair that there should be a sliding scale so that those who see the greatest economic benefit from their catches contribute more.
'Based on licenses currently held, the changes being proposed to fees would see a recovery of approximately 33% of the £697,000 annual costs associated with administration, research and protection costs.
'This proposal, if taken forward, will allow us to continue to invest in the protection and development of our rich marine environment, ensuring it remains viable for current and future generations.
'I hope industry and interested parties will engage with the consultation and share their views.'
The consultation runs until Monday 16 April 2018.
Commercial fishing licences run from 1 April – 31 March. As an interim measure during the consultation process it is proposed that all current licenses will be extended until 31 July 2018 at no additional cost.
