New scallop fishing licence conditions delayed a week

Moves put back for discussions with Scottish government

The Isle of Man Government has agreed to delay the implementation of a new licence condition regarding scallop fishing to allow time for discussions with the Scottish Government.

Proposals to vary licence conditions to require vessels to report into Manx ports for possible catch inspection were due to come into effect from January 8th.

It followed concerns about the accuracy of catch reporting since the season opened on 1st November.

Fishermen based in Kirkcudbright in Scotland had strongly opposed the moves and the local council had asked the Scottish National Government to raise the issue at the highest level with the Isle of Man.

The king scallop industry is worth £12 million to the Island’s economy . . and the Manx government says it is in the interests of all who fish Manx waters, and rely on them for an income, to ensure the long term sustainability of king scallop stocks.

The new measures have now been put back by a week to allow more time for discussions with the Scottish Government to try and identify potential ways forward which would be agreeable to both sides.