On the advice of the Isle of Man Queen Scallop Management Board, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has closed the queen scallop net fishery in the Manx territorial sea with effect from 18.00 hours on 10 October 2013.
At the start of this year’s season in June, an advisory Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 4000 tonnes of queen scallops was agreed by the Management Board, based on independent scientific evidence provided by Bangor University. After an excellent fishing season, the TAC has now been achieved, and acting on the advice of the Management Board, the Minister has closed the fishery to conserve remaining stocks, in preparation for next year’s fishing season.
Reports from fishermen and processors reveal good catches this year. An increase in the minimum size of queenies which could be landed has helped to provide a high quality product which has sold well to markets in the EU. These sales support employment in the Isle of Man as well as generating valuable export earnings estimated at around ?3 million.
The Sea Fishing (Prohibition of Queen Scallop fishing) Regulations 2013 which close the trawl fishery will also control queenie fishing with dredges in a small area to the south of Port St Mary. This fishery commences on 1st October 2013 and will be closed by the Department as soon as its agreed TAC of 1000 tonnes has been reached.
DEFA Minister, Phil Gawne MHK said: “the measures taken to protect the queenie fishery this year have prevented the early closure experienced last year, benefitting all concerned. The Department has worked hard with the industry to achieve a sustainable queenie fishery in the Manx territorial sea, using trawl nets, and this was formally recognised in 2011 with Marine Stewardship Council accreditation. The reduction in the area of the territorial sea where dredge gear can be used to fish for queenies also contributes to our aims of achieving a profitable but sustainable fishery”.
