Crab fishermen in the Island say they're suspicious about how data on their fishery could be used.

At a meeting last night (Tuesday) in Peel, Peter Duncan from Bangor University - and attached to the Fisheries Division - highlighted a lack of knowledge surrounding the fishery, both in the amount of crabs and lobsters in Manx waters and the number of 'pots' being used to fish them.

However, those gathered in the yacht club said they were suspicious about how politicians might use any information, possibly to close down profitable areas and create protected zones.

Operator Laurie Henley says IF they are to collect information, they want something in return.