Department points to new restrictions
The number of boats in the Isle of Man’s scallop fishery has grown to an unsustainable level, says the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
DEFA says it's aware the industry here shares its concerns and has worked with local and off-Island fishermen to introduce new controls, which were brought in last month
They cut the number of vessels eligible to fish in the 3-12 miles region by 44%, (from 156 to 88), and reduce those eligible to fish in the 0-3 miles region by 59%, (from 89 to 37).
A curfew is also in place to prevent fishing between 6pm and 6am.
DEFA is responding in particular to concerns aired by the head of Manx Fish Producers, Dr David Beard, on Manx Radio earlier today.
He's worried it's too 'boom and bust' at the moment, with 208 tons of scallops caught on the first day of the season, of which just 21% was brought back to and processed on the Island.
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