DEFA has published a report on future fishery management options for Baie ny Carrickey, following a public consultation over the summer.
Based on the results, the report explains that the following measures are planned to come into effect from 1st November 2013:
- The Bay will remained closed to fishing for King and Queen Scallops for 20 years but this will be reviewed in 5 years time;
- For the next 3 years, the Bay will also be closed to fishing for crabs and lobsters except for members of the Baie ny Carrickey Crustacean Fishery Management Association and hobby pot fishermen. This closure will enable the trialling of local fishery management in the bay;
- Hobby pot licence holders who fish in Baie ny Carrickey will be required to complete monthly data sheets and will be bound by the conditions of the Fishery Management Plan, including the size of crabs and lobsters which can be taken.
The consultation also sought views on what process DEFA should follow when considering marine protected areas and local fishery management schemes in future. The full report of the consultation findings can be found online at http://www.gov.im/daff/consultations.gov or copies can be obtained from DEFA.
DEFA Minister Phil Gawne, MHK said:
'the use of marine protected areas, including closed or restricted areas, is an important tool in helping us to achieve our aim of sustainable fisheries within the Manx territorial sea. We will continue to work with the fishing industry to ensure that we have the most sustainable and profitable fisheries in our territorial sea. I am pleased at the very responsible attitude taken by our fishermen in agreeing to the closure and am committed to working with them to ensure this responsible approach is properly rewarded. We have been delivering cutting edge, innovative policies in fisheries for some years now and I believe that our fishing industry has a bright future to look forward to'.
'With respect to Baie ny Carrickey specifically, I believe that the closure to fishing with dredges will conserve the important seabed habitats in the area, greatly benefitting the lobster and crab populations. The 3 year trial of the local fishery management plan in the bay is extremely important, both in terms of understanding its impact on the fishery but also as a mechanism which may economically benefit fishermen in the future'.
