THE consultation period for changes to the management of the Island's crab and lobster fishery is almost up.

Residents have until Monday, November 22, to comment on the proposed changes which include the introduction of escape panels to all crab and lobster pots fished in Manx waters.

Other proposed changes include a requirement for individual pots to be marked with tags supplied by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, and a reduction in the maximum number of pots that may be fished by any vessel to 300.

Juan Turner MLC, Member for Fisheries, said:" These proposals should provide an extra measure of protection to our crab and lobster stocks.

"At the same time I am conscious that the existing legislation has prevented some fishermen from being able to enter the fishery when there is no evidence that the stock as a whole is at risk.

"These proposals should remove what I see is an unfair restriction on bona fide fishermen whilst maintaining the protection of the stocks that are vital to fishermens' long term futures."

"It is also clear to me that the department needs to concentrate increased effort on monitoring an assessing our crab and lobster stocks which have for centuries been a valuable source of both food and income for the Isle of Man.

"I hope that the department will be working much more closely with fishermen over the coming 12 months to assess this fishery, and any additional measures that may need to be put in place in future, to ensure that the stocks and fishermens' livelihoods are not put at risk."

The consultation was launched on October 11. It can be viewed here.