THE Isle of Man will not be changing its mind over the decision to ban large Scottish fishing vessels from the Island’s scallop beds.

DEFA Minister John Shimmin told BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme this morning that there would be no U-turn on the decision which had been taken to protect Manx fishermen and in particular the stocks of scallops in Isle of Man waters.

He was responding to comments made on the programme by Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), who said that “devastation” had been caused to the Scottish vessels now banned from Manx waters.

Mr Armstrong said he wanted to open discussion with the Manx government about the ban whilst “a degree of access” was still open for the larger Scottish vessels to fish for the scallops.

However, Mr Shimmin said a number of meetings had been held in the last two years about reaching an agreement with the SFF over scallops whilst the Manx scallop beds had sustained “enormous damage” caused by the large vessels.

“Some of these vessels were coming here for just two weeks and moved on after causing enormous damage . . . 95% of our juvenile scallops have now gone and they will take many years to recover.”

He emphasised that the ban on larger vessels had been imposed for the sustainable management of the Manx scallop fishing industry. “This is about short-term profits versus long term conservation and sustainability.”

Around 20 large Scottish vessels which have fished for scallops in Manx waters have been banned as a result of the new bye-law which came into force on November 1st with a fine up to £50,000 for those who contravene.

Mr Armstrong said there was no scientific evidence or basis for the decision and has requested a lifting of the ban.

Mr Shimmin replied, “What we have offered is a discussion about how these waters can be accessed . . . we want to work with the Scottish Fisheries authorities but our priority is conservation and sustainability. Ongoing talks will continue.”