A trial closure of a bay to all but a limited number of lobster and crab fishermen is boosting efforts towards sustainability and will continue.

For four years, only members of the Baie ny Carrickey Crustacean Fishery Management Association and local hobby fishermen have been permitted to ‘pot fish’ in the southern bay, off Port St Mary.

They have compiled detailed data on catches, aiding efforts by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) to safeguard fish stocks.

The trial, which started in 2012, was due to end in November 2016.

DEFA consulted the public over whether it should be extended for three years so the effects of the management can be better evaluated or whether pot fishing should be de-restricted.
Dr Fiona Gell, Senior Biodiversity Officer: Marine, said: ‘Replies showed strong support for the continuation of the trial, with responses from the fishing industry, recreational users and environmental interests.

‘Regulations extending the trial will be laid before Tynwald when it sits in October.

‘The trial is a great example of fishermen taking a proactive approach to sustainable fisheries and securing the future of their industry.

‘Co-management of this sort benefits the fishermen, the environment and the other users of the sea. Continuation of the trial will enable the scientific study to be completed and this will inform other projects of this nature, both in the Isle of Man and elsewhere.’

Lobster and crab are worth ?863,000 a year to the Island’s economy and their sustainability is essential to the fishing industry, which is worth ?13 million a year overall.

DEFA’s Future Fisheries strategy promotes a sustainable, thriving and well-managed fishing industry providing high-quality seafood, supported by respect for the marine environment.

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