Public consulted over measures to ensure king scallop sustainability

The public is being asked for its views over proposals to improve the sustainability of the Manx king scallop fishery.

The king scallop season runs from November to May and landings – last year 4,500 tonnes – are worth £4 million at the quayside.

Overall, fish products landed to the Isle of Man are worth £13 million a year to the economy and support 300+ jobs.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) says that while more vessels are fishing more frequently for king scallops, and the overall catch is increasing, indications are that the abundance of stock is decreasing.

This has prompted concern over the long-term sustainability of this valuable fishery.

Existing regulations govern vessels’ engine size, the type of equipment they may use as well as where and when fishing for king scallops in the Island’s territorial sea can occur.

Now DEFA is consulting the public over whether it should:

• Cap or restrict the number of licences issued to fish for king scallops
• Introduce new technical measures in relation to tow bar length
• Restrict fishing at weekends, as other jurisdictions do
• Establish a management board similar to that which oversees the queen scallop fishery.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘Through our Future Fisheries strategy, we endeavour to ensure the long-term sustainability of the economically important fishing industry.

‘We will consider all views in deciding how best to ensure king scallops remain plentiful and remain of value to those fishing for them.’

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

Replies should be sent to:

or fisheries@gov.im by Wednesday 17 August 2016.

Paper copies of the consultation can be requested at DEFA or by ringing +44 1624 685857.