Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, has welcomed the introduction of a new Fisheries Management Agreement (FMA).
 
The FMA has been signed by the Isle of Man, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland after detailed discussions and negotiations, particularly over the past year.
 
It heralds a new era of co-operation on fisheries policy and demonstrates the desire of all five nations to promote marine sustainability and combat overfishing in the Irish Sea.
 
The Agreement also means that the Isle of Man Government is ultimately responsible for the good governance of its territorial waters and no longer requires the concurrence of the UK Secretary of State before introducing new bye-laws.
 
Minister Gawne said: ‘This is an important step forward, not only for the Isle of Man, but also for the marine environment generally and those who depend on it for a living. By working constructively with the other UK fisheries administrations we have been able to conclude the new Agreement which puts the Isle of Man on an equal footing with its Irish Sea neighbours.’
 
The Isle of Man continues to play a leading role in terms of fishing conservation and efforts to protect the marine environment, preserve fish stocks and promote biodiversity.
 
The close working relationship between the Manx Government, fishermen and processors has helped to put in place a number of positive measures, particularly in relation to the scallop industry.
 
Minister Gawne says he hopes the signing of the new FMA will strengthen that work and ensure a sustainable future for Manx and UK fishermen.
 
He commented: ‘The Isle of Man has established a growing international reputation for sensible and pragmatic fisheries conservation. I hope the new Agreement will enable us to build on this work to further enhance the sustainability of fish stocks in the Irish Sea and the wider marine environment.’
 
‘There is a general consensus among the UK fishing administrations about the benefits of marine conservation, and by working together we have negotiated an Agreement which should benefit fishermen around the Irish Sea and beyond in the coming years.’