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End of scallop season in Manx waters

The Queen scallop net fishery in Manx waters closes tomorrow evening (10th Oct 6pm)

A figure of 4,000 tonnes was agreed as the total allowable catch for the season at the start of the summer.

The figure was reached by the Queen Scallop Management Board based on independent scientific advice provided by Bangor University.

DEFA has now closed the fishery in order to conserve stocks for next year's fishing season.

An increase in the minimum size of queenies which could be landed has helped to provide a high quality product, which has generated export earnings estimated at around £3 million.

Regulations which close the trawl fishery will also control queenie fishing with dredges in a small area to the south of Port St Mary. This fishery started on 1st October 2013 and will be closed by the Department as soon as its agreed total catch of 1000 tonnes has been reached.

 

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