ANGLERS and fishermen who sell fish via “the back door” to restaurants and hotels are being targeted by the Isle of Man government in a bid to cut out illegal activities.
A new scheme where all fish buyers and sellers are included on a new register has been introduced by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) which will initially operate on a voluntary basis. However, the scheme will become compulsory later this year.
DEFA says the purpose of the scheme is to ensure consumers know that the fish and shellfish they are buying comes from a traceable source. However, one of the main thrusts of the new scheme is to stop hobby fishermen and poachers from selling their illegal catches “on the cheap”.
A similar scheme has been in operation in the UK since 2005 which has been broadly welcomed within the industry, although it has not led to the end of illegal catches. It is expected to be more easily controlled in the Isle of Man.
Director of Fisheries Andy Read said the new scheme was also designed to give DEFA a clearer idea of the true value of the annual catches from Manx waters.
A statement from DEFA today said that the UK scheme had helped to ensure best prices are paid to the fishermen for their catches as well as contributing towards a significant reduction in illegal or ‘black fish’ landings.
“At the same time businesses that deal in first sale fish, such as fish merchants, restaurateurs and fish fryers have been keen to promote the fact that they are registered in this scheme in order to reassure customers that their fish comes from a traceable source.”
The Douglas vegetarian and seafood restaurant The Tickethall has become one of the first local businesses to register voluntarily under the Scheme. Owner and head chef Steve Quirke said, “Here at The Tickethall and my new venture The Mailbox, which is due to open for business in April we source as much of our fish as possible from local fishing vessels and local merchants.
“We are very pleased to be able to take the opportunity to demonstrate to our customers that we are operating to best practice, and that the fresh local fish consumed here is coming from legitimate sources.”
The news of the new scheme comes just a few days after two men were successfully prosecuted for illegally fishing for salmon in January outside the freshwater fishing season.
Manx rivers have large numbers of salmon and sea trout during December and January and it’s widely accepted amongst the angling community that “out of season” poaching of fish is common practice, although it has always been difficult to catch offenders who usually operate in the early hours of the morning in darkness.
DEFA Member for Fisheries, Juan Turner MLC, said, “Manx Although at first glance this process may seem to be complicated, it has been designed to be quick and simple to complete. I would urge any restaurants of fishmongers who have concerns about this to contact the Department, to arrange a visit from DEFA staff who will be more than happy to explain the scheme in person.
“As well as allowing consumers to be confident that the fish and shellfish they are purchasing is from a legitimate source, the scheme will also provide valuable information to the Department, to assist us to see the contribution that local seafoods make to the Manx economy.”
There will be no cost to register. DEFA is now writing to those businesses it believes are implicated and offering advice via email (fisheries@gov.im) or by telephone (01624) 685857.
