ISLE of Man Queenies are in the UK final of the Sustainable Seafood Award which takes place today (Thursday).

The government's fisheries directorate, part of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, entered on behalf of the Island's queen scallop industry and will be judged following a presentation at the final at Billingsgate Seafood School.

Queenies are up against stone bass entered by Direct Seafoods, sardines entered by the Marine Conservation Society, spider crab entered by the Welsh Fisheries Department and South Wales Fisherman's Association, Pacific cod entered by Alaskan Seafood and yellow tail kingfish entered by Clean Seas.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister John Shimmin MHK said: "We are delighted to get this far in the competition.

"Isle of Man queenies are a world class product and we have invested heavily in ensuring that we both retain a strong fishing industry while protecting our marine heritage.

"It is gratifying to receive third party recognition of our efforts."

Director of Isle of Man Seafoods and a member of the Isle of Man Scallop Processors' Association Billy Caley said: "This is further recognition of how far the Isle of Man seafood industry has matured.

"As processors we have moved beyond accepting minimum landing size products and seek to land only the most mature queenies.

"By doing this we ensure that the younger stock remains on the seabed, repopulating our waters for future years, and  consumers receive only the best quality queenies.

"I am looking forward to attending the finals and will be taking part in the presentation. This sort of exposure can only increase the value of our industry in the eyes of the British consumer."

Director of Fisheries Andy Read will lead the presentation in London which will be made to an audience of industry experts, food journalists and major buyers of seafood from supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.