Anglers can now purchase fishing licences over the counter at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, as well as online at www.gov.im/onlineservices.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
'I would like to encourage anglers to obtain licences online, as it minimises administrative costs, meaning more can be spent on conserving our freshwater fisheries.
'However, I am keen to ensure no anglers miss out on the wonderful fishing opportunities available here and welcome this initiative as a cost-effective alternative for those unable to access the internet.
'Visitors, especially, will benefit from being able to purchase their licences at the Welcome Centre.'
The reservoir fishing season starts on 10th March and the river fishing season on 1st April. All anglers must be in possession of a valid licence.
There is no increase in the price of freshwater fishing in 2015, with reservoir licences for adults costing £206 for a season, £73 for a week and £16 for a day, and river licences costing £69 for a season, £27 for a week and £11 for a day.
There are generous concessions for anglers under the age of 19, whilst children aged 13 and under can obtain licences free of charge.
The reservoir season concessionary licence, available to people over 65 years old or those registered as disabled, is not available online as proof of eligibility is required to be shown when purchased. This type of licence is available at Post Offices, at the Department's Headquarters in St John's and at the Welcome Centre.
The Welcome Centre is open Monday to Saturday (including Bank Holidays) between 8am and 6pm.
More information, including the 'Isle of Man Angling Guide', is available on the freshwater fishing page of the Government website www.gov.im – click on Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and then Fisheries Directorate – or by contacting the Department on Tel: +44 1624 685857.
