Fisheries Minister Phil Gawne has confirmed proposed amendments to Bye-Laws regulating the Scallop and Queenie fishery, to provide greater protection for Manx Scallop and Queenie stocks, and the jobs that they support.

Announcing his proposals, the Minister explained that "the Isle of Man already leads the way within the British Isles on scallop conservation, with a range of innovative measures including gear restrictions, curfews and a network of closed areas designed to enhance and safeguard the scallop fishery.

"These new proposals build on previous measures, and extend this innovation to the queenie fishery, which is currently largely unregulated."

"The events of 2009, when my attempts to introduce emergency conservation measures were vetoed by the Scottish Fisheries Minister, cannot be allowed to repeat themselves.

"The huge influx of nomadic effort last November resulted in huge damage to the scallop beds, and a glut of scallops on the market that benefitted no-one.

"It was a textbook example of how not to manage a fishery, and I am determined that 2009 will go down in history as the last year such mismanagement was allowed to take place in Manx waters."  

"In addition to this, I am hopeful that the measures intended to secure the future of the Isle of Man Queenie fishery will be of great benefit to the Manx and Scottish fishermen and processors that have jointly assisted with their development.

"I believe that these measures will provide permanent and positive benefits to fishermen, processors and the marine environment.

"I am particularly pleased to be able to create the Queenie Management Board, which will formally involve fishermen and processors in future sustainable management of this stock, which has great potential in new and developing markets."