NEW conservation measures have been brought in to bring long term benefits to crab and lobster stocks in the Isle of Man.

A new bye-law means conservation measures are now in place in the zero to three mile zone of the territorial sea.

John Shimmin MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: "The bye-law brings into effect a requirement for all pots to carry escape panels which will allow undersized crab and lobsters, and other organisms, to leave a pot rather than be subject to fighting, predation and damage as can be the case when they have no way out.

"In addition the requirement for all pots to carry official tags will serve as a deterrent to fishing more than the maximum number of 300 pots per vessel as well as assisting to identify illegal or lost pots.

"Whilst I am disappointed that I am currently unable to extend this bye-law to cover the whole of the Isle of Man Territorial Sea these measures will nevertheless go some way to assisting the protection of our valuable crab and lobster stocks whilst continuing to allow young fishermen to enter the fishery without need to purchase expensive quota or licences."

The crab and lobster bye-law has been the subject of two recent consultations and an industry working group.

Juan Turner MLC, Political Member for Fisheries, added: "We have been working with the industry to bring in these bye-laws for quite some time. The process of extending this to the full 12 mile limit requires UK concurrence which is being progressed.

"I am delighted we are able to bring in these important measures and look forward to having them extended to 12 miles as soon as possible."

The bye-law will come into effect on September 1.

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